Dated March 11, 2008
How my life has changed in 1 year
1 year is not that long. A child goes from being 8 to 9, a woman turns 50 after being 49. Not that eventful. This all changes when you put time in the perspective of a baby.
Two years ago I was a normal 26 year old. I was married and lived in a nice home with my husband. I worked full-time at home. We would go out to the movies, go bowling at midnight, rent a movie and stay in, go out to eat, visit with family, go to Tahoe on a whim if we were bored at home. My house was clean most of the time and I thought our cats were hard to take care of. I loved going to the mall and browsing through Macy’s clearance racks or books at Barnes & Noble, spending hours just meandering around with a latte in my hand. A celebration would be when I found a pair of designer jeans or shoes, in my size, on a great clearance. I would eat whenever I wanted and sleep until I woke up.
One year ago I was nine months pregnant ready to pop. My due date was approaching. I thought I knew what it meant, what it took, to raise a child. One day later when my beautiful newborn baby was placed on my stomach I learned I was wrong. Being pregnant and raising a child are totally different things. Once that bun comes out of the oven you are working and on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
I am no longer #1. Or #2 for that matter. I take care of myself after my daughter and husband are. I have learned that a happy husband and content daughter is what make my life easier. I eat last, pee last, go to bed last, and most of the time with an audience.
Convenience is priority. God forbid if I bought paper towels or cat litter at Safeway before the baby but now, it is common practice. I thoroughly believe every single retail outlet should have drive-thru service available. I take advantage of the carpool lane when it’s just me and my daughter in the car. Sleeping is optional and random. My shower, hair and make-up routine lasts 30 minutes tops. I work late into the night after Allie has gone to bed. I am on a break when my husband is watching the baby so I can do the dishes or switch over a load of laundry. Most meals consist of ready-made food or casseroles. My house is rarely clean and my kitchen is a tripping hazard full of animal refrigerator magnets and plastic bowls and lids that have been emptied from the bottom drawer. And I have realized that the cats are definitely not high-maintenance creatures.
I still go the mall. It is just a planned, timed event these days. My latte sits in the cup holder of my jogging stroller. I always forget at least one thing on the list. Shopping has become one, long circus act of me constantly performing and finding random food items that do not pose to be a choking hazard to keep Allie busy and content. Mothers and fathers smile at me and non-parents look at me like I’m a crazy person.
How my life has changed in 1 year
1 year is not that long. A child goes from being 8 to 9, a woman turns 50 after being 49. Not that eventful. This all changes when you put time in the perspective of a baby.
Two years ago I was a normal 26 year old. I was married and lived in a nice home with my husband. I worked full-time at home. We would go out to the movies, go bowling at midnight, rent a movie and stay in, go out to eat, visit with family, go to Tahoe on a whim if we were bored at home. My house was clean most of the time and I thought our cats were hard to take care of. I loved going to the mall and browsing through Macy’s clearance racks or books at Barnes & Noble, spending hours just meandering around with a latte in my hand. A celebration would be when I found a pair of designer jeans or shoes, in my size, on a great clearance. I would eat whenever I wanted and sleep until I woke up.
One year ago I was nine months pregnant ready to pop. My due date was approaching. I thought I knew what it meant, what it took, to raise a child. One day later when my beautiful newborn baby was placed on my stomach I learned I was wrong. Being pregnant and raising a child are totally different things. Once that bun comes out of the oven you are working and on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
I am no longer #1. Or #2 for that matter. I take care of myself after my daughter and husband are. I have learned that a happy husband and content daughter is what make my life easier. I eat last, pee last, go to bed last, and most of the time with an audience.
Convenience is priority. God forbid if I bought paper towels or cat litter at Safeway before the baby but now, it is common practice. I thoroughly believe every single retail outlet should have drive-thru service available. I take advantage of the carpool lane when it’s just me and my daughter in the car. Sleeping is optional and random. My shower, hair and make-up routine lasts 30 minutes tops. I work late into the night after Allie has gone to bed. I am on a break when my husband is watching the baby so I can do the dishes or switch over a load of laundry. Most meals consist of ready-made food or casseroles. My house is rarely clean and my kitchen is a tripping hazard full of animal refrigerator magnets and plastic bowls and lids that have been emptied from the bottom drawer. And I have realized that the cats are definitely not high-maintenance creatures.
I still go the mall. It is just a planned, timed event these days. My latte sits in the cup holder of my jogging stroller. I always forget at least one thing on the list. Shopping has become one, long circus act of me constantly performing and finding random food items that do not pose to be a choking hazard to keep Allie busy and content. Mothers and fathers smile at me and non-parents look at me like I’m a crazy person.
But you do what you have to do. Your child is your priority. Not if your butt looks cute in those new jeans or that your house is always sparkly clean. Your life celebrations become your baby’s first smile, first word, first steps. Having a child is a joyous, wonderous, blessed, amazing event and is one of the greatest powers we have been given. My daughter is my entire world! We should cherish every moment and not let life pass us by because before we know it, it’s over.
2 comments:
Something every first time future mother (and father) should read. You have learned so much in a year. Enjoy the loving chaos--It goes by so quickly!
Luv Mom/G-Ma OC
i can't wait.
~nicole
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