Oh Mama!

I got an email today from BabyCenter.com. I didn't have time to read it at the time, but it's subject line intrigued me: 32 Things That Change When You Become A Mom.

The idea stayed in the back of my mind all day. I've noted before the things that have changed me, in fact it's been a popular topic in my blogs. This time I focused on how my ideas of being a mom differ from the reality.

I had visions of outrageous birthday parties with homemade food, volunteering at school, making cupcakes for Sunday School teachers, conducting daily crafts and field trips, etc. etc. What I've realized is that most of that doesn't matter an eensy bit to kids. I know Micah's not even 2 yet, but being attuned to his needs and desires has taught me that most of the things on that list up there were just things I wanted to do for me, not for Micah. Micah wants a happy mom who is there for him and lets him experience the world at his pace. I'm so glad I didn't make that home-made baseball costume for halloween after all. He enjoyed his hand-me-down pumpkin!

Here's the list of 32 things for those interested. I've bolded the ones I find particularly true!
1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.

2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.

3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.

4. You respect your body ... finally.

5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.

6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.

7. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.

8. You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago.

9. Your heart breaks much more easily.

10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.

11. Every day is a surprise.

12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)

13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.

14. You become a morning person.

15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

And from our readers...

1. "You discover how much there is to say about one tooth." — Ashley's mom

2. "You finally realize that true joy doesn't come from material wealth." — Anonymous

3. "You now know where the sun comes from." — Charlotte

4. "You'd rather buy a plastic tricycle than those shoes that you've been dying to have." — Sophie's mom

5. "You realize that although sticky, lollipops have magical powers." — Roxanne

6. "You don't mind going to bed at 9 p.m. on Friday night." — Kellye

7. "Silence? What's that?" — Anonymous

8. "You realize that the 15 pounds you can't seem to get rid of are totally worth having." — Brenda

9. "You discover an inner strength you never thought you had." — Ronin and Brookie's mom

10. "You no longer rely on a clock — your baby now sets your schedule." — Thomas' mom

11. "You give parents with a screaming child an 'I-know-the-feeling' look instead of a 'Can't-they-shut-him-up?' one." — Jaidyn's mom

12. "Your dog — who used to be your 'baby' — becomes just a dog." — Kara

13. "You take the time for one more hug and kiss even if it means you'll be late." — Tracey

14. "You learn that taking a shower is a luxury." — Jayden's mom

15. "You realize that you can love a complete stranger." — Dezarae's mom

16. You find yourself wanting to make this world a better place. — Arizona

17. If you didn’t believe in love at first sight before, now you do! — Ciara