This Mothers Day, I reflect on all things that have changed since becoming a mother ago 7 years ago.
- A big night out is now happy hour, staying out past 9, or even walking to a neighbors house.
- I used to love Dateline and murder mysteries. Now, when there are children involved, I can’t even watch.
- When moms or dads die (or really anything sad happens- Mustafa dying anyone?) in movies with kids or apparently animals, I cry. A lot.
- Parents Night Out at our local daycare/ gymnastics place.. Pre-mom or even first time mom me would turn my nose up at choosing to send my kids back to daycare for a 6th day. But it literally is cheaper than a sitter and also like an extended playdate that I don’t have to attend. Then comes the dilemma of dinner date night out, nap/Netflix for three hours, or running errands. Yep, life has changed, friends.
- How much fuller, rich, and even simple life is when you experience it though the eyes of a child again, especially on your most cynical and worst days. Some of our best memories so far are simple days at the beach, playing games, or just laughing and enjoying time together as a family.
- Perspective and thankfulness for my own mom and aunts. All of my mom figures worked, cooked, kept clean homes, entertain on a whim and sometimes even sewed clothes sans cleaning ladies, uber eats, curbside, Instacart or amazon or complaining). They really are superhuman. Today, all of them will watch any of my kids on a moments notice without blinking, no instructions required.
Motherhood is hard work. Harder than my hardest days sometimes, but it is worth it every day and I’m so grateful to get to experience it times three. To all moms out there, I see you and you’re doing great. And if you’re not, hang in there and don’t be afraid to ask for help.