I've come to realize there are just little things that you will not know as a non-parent until you actually have children. I was sitting in bed this morning at 4:45, trying desperately to go back to sleep and began to make a mental list. This list is comprised of reality checks, tidbits and general observations. Some list items people probably didn't want to tell you because you would have thought them crazy. Some are so interwoven into the minutia of everyday parent life that you probably don't really stop to think about them. Some are really just a "DUH". It's sort of a "You know you're a parent if ... " type of list.
- The "schedule" you so methodically planned prior to baby's arrival is sure to fail ("l'll feed him at 6 and be to yoga by 8 and then ... ")
- A little pee in your face, on your shirt or down your pajama pants isn't the end of the world
- Getting a little poop on your hand isn't so gross
- Going to the store with a little spit-up residue on your shoulder is OK
- No doubt that when you start breastfeeding you will suddenly develop an itch where you cannot reach
- Always take off baby's socks prior to feeding him/her baby food (green bean toes!)
- If pretending to feed Mr. Octopus makes the food disappear, then Mr. Octopus gets "fed"
- The trick or game that worked this morning or five minutes ago, might not be the fun-filled activity of the moment
- The song stuck in your head is probably from one of baby's toys now (not from the radio)
- Just because you are a parent, doesn't mean you will automatically bond with other parents, in fact, it might be a point of tension
- Some things are just not so important anymore, like showering everyday
- You have no concept of what the word SACRIFICE means until you are a parent
I know I had more of these earlier this morning. I will probably update this post again in the future. But in the meantime, feel free to comment! I know there's probably a lot more of these tidbits and reality checks that I have yet to experience!
Good night!
