I'm Still a Rookie

Everyone tells you when you're pregnant how much your life is about to change. (Everyone who is already a parent.) By the end of my pregnancy I had to stop myself from saying, "I know already, please stop reminding me how crazy my life is about to get!!!" But to be honest, you really don't fully grasp the change until you are up at 3am wondering why the HECK your daughter is wide awake. Better yet, why its impossible to be mad at her when she is seriously screwing up your sleeping habits!

Even though Abigail is 7 months old, this whole parenting thing is still VERY new to me. I grew up babysitting and was around kids all the time, but there are still some things I was definitely not prepared for. Robbie and I have lots of moments where we laugh, look at each other and say, "Wow, we are parents now!" Here are a few moments I've had lately that made me stop and realize that my new title as Mom is pretty permanent, and pretty awesome.

1. Road trips are no longer spontaneous times where we say "lets just get in the car and go somewhere!"

No more driving to Oklahoma last minute for a concert we want to see. Road trips are planned weeks in advance, and packing takes me a lot longer than I am willing to admit. How can one tiny person need SO MANY things?? I am so grateful that Abigail does really well in her car seat. I know it could be much worse. But we have realized that her limit is about 3-4 hours. I'm sure I am not the only parent who has gotten really creative at keeping my child entertained for a few hours on a road trip. Road trips might as well be called road events.

 

(Thankfully, most of the time she looks like this!)

2. No matter how old your child is, you will "occasionally" seek help from TV shows to keep your child happy and entertained.

Go ahead and judge, but yeah I let my 7 month old watch TV. How else could I shower or make myself some food to eat?! I was the pregnant lady who swore I would never let my infant watch TV, but then I wised up and discovered shows like Baby Einstein and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. And to my surprise Abigail LOVES them. Watching her smile and be mesmerized by the adorable singing is worth the 20 minutes I need to get some things done around the house. One day Robbie and I were getting ready for church while Abigail was watching TV and we had one of those moments I mentioned before. "Wow this is our life now, kids shows playing in our house!" I have to say our personal favorite is Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. It is seriously adorable. Its one of the only kid shows that I don't mind having on in the background and that doesn't drive me crazy. My parents even bought her a stuffed Daniel Tiger that she loves.

One time we left Daniel Tiger at Nana's and Papa's house (Robbie's parents). The next day we got a few pictures from Robbie's mom...we were laughing so much! The poor guy was was rescued soon after. 

3. Everything takes longer. 

Simple things like, running into the grocery store to grab a few things, or going for a quick jog around the neighborhood. Things that used to take little or no preparation, suddenly become much longer because what if my baby has an accident in the store and I need diapers?! What if she gets fussy and I forgot a toy?! What if she throws up and I need a burp cloth?! With these silly questions going through my mind, I have to fully pack the diaper bag, or load up the stroller. Because heaven forbid I'm stuck inside Kroger and didn't bring her Sophie Giraffe for her to chew on! -_-

I realize some of these worries come with the territory of being a new mom. And I really am getting better about not obsessing over the "what ifs". 

(Errands sure are more fun when I get to stare at this little one.)

4.  Using a public bathroom will never be the same. 

I know this is a weird one, but think about it. Have you ever seen a mom go into a bathroom with a child or two and not come out for more than 10 minutes? I dread the times when its just me running errands with Abigail and nature calls. Especially the times I forget a stroller. (Which happens more often than you would think.) Lets just say that using the bathroom with your baby strapped to your chest in the carrier is not the easiest of endeavors. TMI? Well sorry, but I'm not going to sit her on the nasty floor. Haha please tell me I'm not the only one who has struggled with this as a parent. I also know that this is only going to get worse...

5. Love suddenly has a whole new meaning. 

The best part about being a new parent? Having a tiny human that you love more than anything in the whole world! I was not prepared for how much my heart would grow. The rewarding and loving feeling of nurturing and caring for Abigail is something I wouldn't trade for anything. I am grateful to be her mom, and I'm ready for all the fun and challenging things that come with parenthood. (I think!!)