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The truth about Motherhood

Life changes dramatically once you become a mom. It's an incredibly amazing change, and yet, there are things about motherhood that we complain about.

Like the fact that we don't get to sleep anymore.

And the fact that we are constantly picking up after our children.

And the fact we live in a state of constant worry and never-ending fear.

And the fact that we're doing never-ending loads of laundry, while helping the children with homework, cooking dinner, preparing lunches for the next day, organizing birthday parties, making beds, hosting playdates, cheering on our children on the soccer field or in the swimming pool, making child-care arrangements, reading, playing, singing, stepping on LEGO, rushing to work, baking cupcakes at midnight, and wiping behinds... all... day... long.

And there are also days we have to put together certain toys that make us want to rip our hair out.



Ah, motherhood.

Yes, it's tiring, and not always glamorous. Sometimes, the best night of the week is the night you visit to the grocery store—alone. This has replaced the Friday night you once used to know, the Friday night that involved high heels and dinner at your favourite restaurant.

I'm not complaining, though. Being a mom is the most amazing job in the universe.

Here are just 10 things I love about motherhood:

I love that I made these people

"I can't believe I made you!" I say this all the time. I made a person. I made TWO people. I made two people that also happen to be my most favourite people, ever. I love the people they are, I love their different personalities, I love hearing their voices, and I love their hugs and kisses. They complete me. I love the people I created.

I love being a child again

It amazes me that now I'm the mom at school picking up her children, and not the child at school who is being picked up. When did I become the adult, and not the child running through the school yard with friends? Being a mom means that I can go down slides, play in the sand, make houses out of LEGO, and read my favourite childhood books again.

I love feeling proud

Nothing takes my breath away like watching my children do something they haven't done before. Whether it was the first time they walked, or the first time they wrote their name, I am always the over-enthusiastic mom beaming with pride. When my son receives Awards of the Month at his school my heart feels like it is going to explode. It's a great feeling.

I love learning

I've learned so much over these last six years, and every day, I am still learning something new. I'm being taught the basics of French again, thanks to my first grader. I've learned that Goldfish crackers are awesome. I've learned that I can multi-task, a lot. I've learned that I can go to the bathroom in an airplane while holding a baby in my arms and changing my toddler, all at the same time. I've learned that there is a lot left to learn. I also love teaching my children.

I love the little things

It's the little things I love the most about being a parent. I appreciate the daily routine. I love movie nights, and snuggling on the couch. I love seeing my children get enthusiastic about a construction truck or a butterfly, and I love seeing them excited about Christmas Day and Easter egg hunts. I marvel at their innocence.

I love feeling inspired

Nobody inspires me like my children do. They motivate me to be a better person, a better mom. I think about the future and the now, and I try to make the right decisions for them. I love seeing them care about the world, ask questions about life and the news, and talk about what they want to be when they grow up.

I love ice cream... and Happy Meals

No, we don't go to McDonald's often, but when we do, I order three Happy Meals, and my boys and I sit in the car and eat and talk and listen to music. Yeah, eating food that is not always good for you can sometimes be pretty awesome.

I love feeling needed

"MOMMY!" I'll never get tired of hearing my name, even in the middle of the night. I love sleeping beside my children, and I'll do it for as long as they want me to. Even if it means I'm sleeping with toes in my face.

I love observing

I sometimes can't contain my laughter when I hear the conversations between my two boys. They make me laugh, all the time. I love seeing them become best friends, even though they also fight and tear the house apart on a daily basis. I love watching and observing them. They're pure entertainment.

I love not having to care about dressing them

Let's face it, dressing boys is hands down far easier than dressing girls. There is no drama, no wrong pair of pants, no tantrum about the colour of shirt they wear. Whatever I pick out of their closet is good for them. This makes life a lot easier for me!

What about you? What do you love about motherhood?

This post was inspired by Mama Kat's weekly writing prompts.

Comments

Alyssa said…
I love your list! Being a mom has its moments but over all when you step back and look at the great kids youre raising, motherhoods not so bad :)

I love having one boy and one girl - the best of both worlds!! ;)
Pamtastic said…
Ahhh... The pride is a big one, isn't it? I'm not what I'd call an "emotional" person, so I'm constantly amazed at how choked up I get when one of my daughters scores during a basketball game or performs in a school play! Amazing...
Galit Breen said…
Love this, so much!

And the little things? *So* where it's at! :)
gretchen said…
I love your list too! I also wrote one, and even though they're very different, it's amazing how much is the same! I guess it's universal! And amen to the dressing boys thing!
Anonymous said…
Oh, your list resonated with me on so many levels. I was reading along, nodding and smiling. I love that.

Motherhood really is universal, isn't it?
Linda said…
You did a wonderful job with your list! Your joy and love for your children and your life shines through your writing. Thank you for taking the time to think and write!
Tiffany said…
Perfect, perfect list!!!
Unknown said…
TOTALLY the last one! The hardest part about dressing boys is getting them to go warm! My boys want to wear basketball shorts every day of life. No matter if there is snow on the ground. And their idea of a coat is a zipper hoodie! That's not warm when it's below freezing outside! They swear they aren't cold though. I should save the $300 I spend every year on winter gear and buy cute boots for me!
Great list - I admit to loving and sneaking from their nuggets Happy Meals..shhhh. xo
Anonymous said…
Sleeping with the wee ones is the best! My youngest just left our bed for her own and I admit I miss her in our bed. Good thing I still get nap time snuggles. Being a Mom really is awesome.
Tiffany said…
I'm with you on not having to worry about dressing boys. I've got a girl, and while I love love LOVE finding some fancy little sassy outfits for her, it is a S-T-R-U-G-G-L-E in the morning to get her to settle on an outfit. She's only 2. Lawd help me.
Anonymous said…
I think the observing might just be my favorite part!
Avitable said…
Ah, there are just so many things I love about motherhood - I can't think of just one!
Sometimes I get really negative about being a Mom. Thanks for reminding me why I love it.
Unknown said…
I love your list! I really love seeing my son and know that he has part of me in him.
I couldn't get past how they learn. Love your list.
oh my god - is that a real toy, one your kids have? It looks a little as if you need an engineering degree to assemble it!

Love the list! But I also love being mom to girls - for a girly girl into clothes and accessories it's really fun :-)
Lady Mama said…
I agree there is so much to love about motherhood. One of my favourite things is simply cuddling with them on the sofa with a blanket and some books. There is something so joyful about just being with them. Great post. :)
EatPlayLove said…
Lovely! I must share my 5yo dresses herself and she's always dressed in some sort of odd combination of stripes, polka dots, and more stripes. Never matching and completely care free!
Sandy said…
Very lovely post! Also: I love the way your website looks. :)