To My Baby

If Only I Had Known...

...that it meant waking up multiple times in the middle of the night-every night
...that you would have grenade-like poops that stained your clothes
...or that you'd go right after I'd finish changing your diaper
...that I'd use my bare hand to block your pee so it didn't spray my face while changing your diaper
...that I'd wipe your boogers on my shirt
...that you'd poop in the bathtub
...that you'd spit up after every feeding and at least 3 times in between
...and as a result we'd both go through 3 outfits a day
...that most days I wouldn't have time to shower, do my makeup, or even pull up my hair
...that my new scent would be pink baby lotion
...that my house would always have a mess to clean up
...and that there wouldn't be time to clean it
...that I'd spend half my earnings on diapers
...that you'd projectile vomit all over yourself 2 minutes after your bath
...that my social life would go out the window
...that you'd accidentally bonk your head or scratch yourself
...that my heart would break every time you'd cry
...that my heart would burst every time you'd smile

If only I had known that this is what motherhood meant....oh my sweet angel baby I would have wished for you sooner!

Because the bodily fluids mean your body is functioning properly and you are growing big and strong
Because being up in the middle of the night means sweet tender moments and lots of snuggles
Because I have learned to love myself without fancy hair and makeup
Because smelling like you when we're apart helps when I'm missing you
Because I would much rather sit and hold you than do dishes anyway
Because being with my family is the most important form of a social life
Because when you are sad or hurting, it is me you want comforting you and that is an irreplaceable feeling
Because I am learning to be more gentle and loving
Because if I didn't know the hardships of motherhood, I would not know the joys.


My only child (for now) is just two months old, and I know there are many additional challenges and hardships awaiting me, but being the mother and wife in the family unit has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I truly believe that all of the seemingly negative aspects of parenthood are blessings, even if they sometimes feel deeply disguised (how is poop a blessing??). Mommas, if you are having one of "those" days, just take a step back and remember how lucky you are to experience the beautiful calling that is motherhood.