Before I became a mom

Before I became a mom, I thought that I'd leave the hospital in my regular jeans.

Then, I had my baby, and left in lulu lemons. I put my pre-pregnancy jeans in the very back of my closet. We became acquainted again many months later. When I got pregnant for the second time, the day I peed on the stick, my jeans stopped fitting me again. This did not bother me so much, as being pregnant was the only time I could eat whatever I wanted to without anyone saying anything about it. McFlurries became a staple in my diet. And, for the record - I did eat health, too. And I always took my Materna. Every single day.

Before I became a mom, I was sure I would not breasfeed. Who cares what the experts had to say? I was adamant that I would not breastfeed. I didn't want to go through the pain that I kept hearing about from other moms.

Then, I had my baby, and I tried breastfeeding within minutes of his birth. I loved it. Instantly, he knew what to do - as did I. It was perfection, and one of the greatest decisions I ever made. For months, I fed my children, and that bond will always be something I will forever cherish.

Before I became a mom, I thought my children would sleep on demand, have regular bedtime schedules, and sleep in their own beds.

Then, I had my baby, and discovered that I'd sleep again in 20 years. Sleep is over-rated anyway, right? For the last 4 years, sleeping 5 hours a night seems to be the norm for me. I also slept with my children in my bedroom for the first 6 months of their life. When my oldest was 6 months he moved into his room, into his crib. I put a mattress on the floor so I could sleep beside him. Most nights, he ended up sleeping beside me. When he got his big-boy bed, I slept with him until his baby brother was born, then the baby slept with me for the first 6 months. Now, he sleeps in his crib but every night, at 1 a.m., he'll wake up, and come sleep beside me in my bed. I love sleeping with my children, and I dread the day that they're not going to want to sleep with me anymore. I know it's years away, but still...

Before I became a mom, I thought I'd be able to travel without my children without feeling guilty.

Then, I had my baby, and even going back to work was hard. I have only ever been away from my children for one night. I wonder if this will change with time? I'm thinking no. I can't imagine flying - one of my biggest fears - without them with me. My last thought, if the plane were to crash, would be guilt. Guilt for being a bad mom and leaving them for selfish reason like taking a vacation without them. Also, the thought of going on vacation somewhere nice without them would break my heart. I'd cry every time I'd see another child. So, I'm a big suck of a mom. I can do overnights in nearby cities with my girlfriends, though. That much I can handle without too much guilt! (As long as I'm driving).

Before I became a mom, I had all the time in the world to do what I wanted to do.

Then, I had my baby, and I could not leave the house to go to the grocery store without a well thought out plan - is the baby fed? Is his diaper changed? Do I have an extra outfit for him? When will he need to eat next? Where are my keys? Oh, shit, I'm still in my pj's... going out is not easy when you have children! And the older they get, well, it's still not easy. My kids have their own agenda! Have you tried to take your 3 year old away from playing in the sandbox to go grocery shopping? Not easy, my friends. No amount of bribing helps, either. It feels like such an accomplishment once you do get in the car to go out. With bags packed. And lots of snacks.

Before I became a mom, I thought my children would never embarrass me in public.

Then, I had my baby, and I have my share of stories to tell. I could write a book! Like the time my son asked me in an elevator: "Mommy, why is that man so tall? He's sooo tall." Yes, in an elevator. So I could not just run away. What did I say? "Yes, sweetie, he is tall! Maybe he plays basketball!" Oh, man.

Before I became a mom, life was busy and full.

Then, I had my baby and I realized what 'busy' and 'full' really meant. Life became more meaningful. A job that is never-ending - a constant 24 hours a day job - that makes life worth living! Because after becoming a mom, life got a lot sweeter... despite the lack of sleep, the cranky tantrums, and the inability to pee without another person in the bathroom with me. It's amazing how much a mom gets done in one day. We are all supermoms, you know. The only downside, really, is the constant worry. That is never-ending, too.

Before I became a mom, I had a really active social life.

Then, I had my baby.