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A whole new world

This week I have had the opportunity to read some excellent blog posts about motherhood, courtesy of Jill from Scary Mommy, because she is holding a Scary Mommy contest, (the winner gets to have their post on the Motherhood website, under Eliza's blog - you know, Uma's character in the movie? Sweet! And? A flip video camera!) The entries have been incredible to read through - and I have also loved all the comments my post has received... thank you!

In keeping with excellent writing assignments this week, the lovely Mama Kat is having a contest of her own, and has posed the question: How has Motherhood changed you?

How has Motherhood changed me? It has changed me in ways I never thought possible. It changes me everyday. Life for me in certainly not the same as it was before becoming a mom. The most obvious change has been the incredible amount of love I have for my children. Never a second goes by that they are not in my thoughts, when I'm not with them; and when I'm with them, I can't get enough of looking at them, hugging and kissing them, and telling them how much I love them. I sometimes sit back and am amazed that I created these perfect little boys - boys with smiles that melt my heart, boys with strong and funny personalities, boys who are, well... mine.

Besides all the wonderful and joyful moments that come with motherhood - there is another side too, a side filled with worry and fear that no one can possibly relate to until they enter the crazy world of motherhood. It's probably the the thing I like least about being a mother - but it comes with the territory. It's a constant worry, a constant fear. I once said that the only time I will stop worrying about my children is when I pass away. Even then... doubtful. It is time consuming, and even if I'm out with friends having a good time, my children are always in my thoughts. You can also feel on a deeper level - I feel connected to other mothers, and their problems, although not my own, are felt deeply. I cry at commercials more often. I'm am emotional wreck, most of the time.

How else how motherhood changed me? I am more responsible. There is no room for error here - I can't screw this up. Not in a major way, anyway. I'm the pilot, the captain, the air traffic controller. I must be 'on' 24 hours a day. No calling in sick, folks. Motherhood is the real deal. You don't get a day off. Sure, you can get a weekend away with friends, or you can go to work for a few hours a day, but you're still 'on' - phoning home, shopping for your children, planning the week ahead. It's a full-time job! I'm changed because before becoming a mom my responsibilities were not as important.

Motherhood has also made me realize the value of time. You know how in the army they do more before 6 a.m. than most people do in a day? Well, the same is true for motherhood! It is truly a phenomena how MUCH we get done as mothers every single day. We wake up early, get ourselves and our children ready, feed everyone breakfast, get everyone dressed, break up fights, play with our children, prepare snacks and lunch, take them to school, or to the museum, change a few diapers, clean up, pick the children up from school, play, do crafts, prepare dinner, break up another fight, clean the house, put away laundry, feed everyone dinner, clean up, bathe the children, read books, and put the kids to bed. At the end of the night, I'm exhausted! Remember when you used to complain about being tired before having children? That is such a joke now. Really. I remember those days well. Staying up all night studying and being tired the next day? Nothing in comparison to when a mom is tired. We can't just nap if we want to. We have to be cheerful! all! the! time!

Motherhood has changed my views on things, too. I used to complain about the city I lived in because it wasn't that exciting. Now, as a mother, I see the value of living in a city that has plenty for children to do, has an amazing children's hospital, beautiful parks and museusm, and wonderful schools.I feel safe here. Now, instead of complaining, I am thankful about where I live.

Motherhood has also made me a more patient person. A person who can be on time. A person who can looked pulled together on a maximum of 4 hours sleep - broken sleep, I might add. A person who can mult-task like never before. I am a diaper-changing, nose-wiping, boo-boo kissing champion, a milk pouring, potty-training, clothes changing, laundry folding expert. I am a human vacuum cleaner. I have become fascinated by constuction sites and value the work construction workers do. I know the difference between an excavator, a bulldozer and a front-end loader. And trust me, I am put in my place if I get it wrong! I protect and teach and guide my children, I show them right from wrong, and I am their favourite playmate.

Motherhood has ultimately made me a stronger and more capable person. I feel like an accomplished person because I am a mother. The greatest joy of all!

Comments

((Hugs))
Of course, I will share the COMMENT LOVE with you.

I WUB U. (Big puffy hear love too!)
Jeanette said…
I love all of the positive things you said about motherhood. It really is the greatest job there is.
Tiffany said…
Aww, very sweet. {grin}
Jennifer said…
This is an awesome post, and I can totally relate. Especially to the worry part. I remember being pregnant with my first and worrying about the baby not moving yet. I mean, I was on a time table here. One of the female partners at the firm I worked for said, "Jennifer, this is the least worried you will ever be about that baby in your whole life. Right now you are in total control of everything that happens. But in a few months she will be born and that will no longer be the case." I didn't realize how true those words were until she was actually in my arms. Nothing can prepare you for that amount of worry.
Chandra said…
I feel the exact same way...about everthing. How could these little lives be something that I created??? Wonderful post!
Nothing like being a mama =) Great post!
I am loving reading all the Motherhood posts right after the scary mommy ones. In one we admit our weaknesses and in the next we are able to make it clear that Motherhood makes a rockin' ladies! Great post!
A Crafty Mom said…
Great post - motherhood is most definitely life changing, that's for sure. I was nodding my head up and down as I read through all your point, I think a lot of mothers feel the exact same way!!
Very, very true and well said! Motherhood is all sorts of things at the end of the day, isn't it?
Unknown said…
You go Momma! It certainly changes us for the better, doesn't it?

And I had to crack up about the construction vehicles because I am well versed on all the different ones too! HA HA!
Anonymous said…
How do you handle bed time?!?!? That is sometimes when I am the scariest...
Chantal said…
Oh yes, motherhood is life changing. I should do a post like this one day. I am such a different person now. It sometimes amazes me.
Unknown said…
Motherhood has rocked my world, and it is completely draining and completely fulfilling- weird!

You are a rockin' mama and your boys are blessed to have you, LouLou!
Anonymous said…
Can I EVER relate to this post! Motherood is a sisterhood!
Stone Fox said…
wow.. this is a *great* post! i laughed when i read about excavators (diggers), bulldozers (dozers), front end loaders (woders) at your house. before i had a son, i didn't know one from the other. now? i have had all types of construction machines hammered into my brain.

and i'm totally feeling you about being on the clock 24/7 and multi-tasking for at least 12 of them. life with kids never stops.
Well said Mommy!! Your boys are lucky to have you.
Loukia...your posts make me wish I knew you better! You really do spread sunshine. While I take to my blog to complain more than I would in real life, your blog is so cheerful, and truly makes me look around and remember how much we moms have to be thankful for.
I really don't tell you enough how awesome you are!
skichik79 said…
hey lou .. I was looking for something and found this http://www.scrappingsimply.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40&Itemid=24

you should definitly get your blog printed for keepsakes !!
Stephanie said…
Ahhh The multi tasking. Reuired for Mommyhood survival!
Cynthia said…
Yep...being a Mom is the bestest!
KatBouska said…
Being a mom is THE most rewarding thing I've ever done! I'm glad I'm not alone in that...even though we don't get to sleep. :) Boy it would sure be nice to sleep again.
Jessica said…
I love this. There is nothing in the world that could compare to motherhood- aren't we lucky? Thank you for sharing this!
Anonymous said…
I will not enter a contest, but I will totally write on the subject!
Jessica said…
This is one of your best posts yet! So passionate and filled with your love and energy for your boys.

Makes me happy to know you!