About a year ago I wrote a post about all the things I never thought I would do as a mom. I mean there are so many things that no one prepares you for! Everyone (even strangers at the grocery store) are willing to offer advice and words of wisdom, however, I’ve discovered that the only guaranteed thing about being a mom is that you learn as you go. What may work for me, might not work for you. AND what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. Being a working mom of a 4 year old and 2 year old twins, each day is an upward battle to keep everyone sane. Here are a few more things that a year ago I never imaged doing:
1. I never thought I would enjoy my commute. Although the distance I drive to work on I-95 is not far, the unpredictability of traffic makes my commute a long one. A year ago all I did was complain about it, now sadly it’s one of my favorite parts of the day. It’s my only chance to be alone. I use this time to think (without noise), listen to audio books, and turn my mind off.
2. I never thought I would dread the time for my kids to be diaper free. My twins are just over two and in my mind they are still babies – even though my daughter constantly reminds me, “Mama, I a big girl.” Lately they are both super interested in the potty, and have even gone a few times! I know I should be excited that we are so close to being diaper free (I wonder how much money that will save me each month?), but I’m just not ready…it’s such a big commitment.
3. I never thought I would argue with my children. I have full out disagreements with my 4 year old… on a daily basis. He has an answer for everything and snarky little comeback lines (I wonder where he gets that from?). But instead of just laying down the law I stoop down to his level and keep the dialogue going.
4. I never thought I would succumb to the pressure to be a crafty mom. I love to hate Pinterest! I am not crafty at all, but I so wish I was. I’m all for quick and easy shortcuts, so why am I not buying store baked cookies for class parties? Good question! Instead, I’ve found myself staying up super late icing sugar cookies to make them look like Ninja Turtles.
5. I never thought I would have to work so hard on my marriage and friendships. If you don’t consciously work on a relationship it starts to fade. It’s so important to schedule time with the ones you love. I’ve learned that if I don’t set aside specific times for the people who are most important to me, I easily get distracted.
6. I never thought I would lie to my children. I will tell them anything to keep them calm and well behaved. Hey, did you see that? I think Santa was peeking in the window. Wait, are you lying? Your nose is growing. Yes, I can see you even if my eyes are closed.
7. I never thought I would use the TV as a babysitter. How else can you get anything productive done, like make dinner or return a phone call? Daniel Tiger, Elmo, and Mickey Mouse have all come to the rescue on several occasions.
8. I never thought I would make multiple dinners. You get what you get and you don’t get upset….but they get really upset. To avoid this I end up making multiple meals so everyone goes to bed with a full tummy. It may seem easier to just make one meal, but not when most of that meal gets thrown on the floor.
9. I never thought I would enjoy late night wake-ups. Okay, enjoy might not be the right word, but I really don’t mind waking up in the middle of the night if one of my little one’s need some extra cuddling before being put back to sleep. The moments that my children let me hold them are becoming few and far between. I’ll take what I can get!
I know I can’t be alone! What’s your never say never?
