I hope this post isn’t misinterpreted. I love having a child. I wanted to be a mother more than anything in the world and it’s the best ”job” I’ve ever had. She challenges me in ways I didn’t know existed and has totally completed me. Call it cheesy but it’s the truth.
In spite of everything I adore about being a mom, there are a few things I truly miss about my pre-mom days. Things that I have accepted will be a long time before I experience again.
Using the Bathroom
People tried to warn me to enjoy my bathroom time while I could and now I totally understand. If my husband is home, I’m sometimes fortunate enough to pee by myself but even that’s no guarantee. Unless I wake before kiddo in the morning, which is a rarity since she’s an earlier riser just like momma, I shower with an audience on a near daily basis. Having a child totally strips you of all privacy.
Enjoying Food
In the early days of motherhood, eating was an Olympic event. I would prepare and eat my food as fast as humanly possible. Choking was an afterthought. This was if I remembered to eat at all. Nowadays I have a little more freedom since she’s slightly more independent, but she has a vested interest in everything that enters my mouth. Even if it’s the same food on her plate, or something I know she will hate, she still only wants to eat Mommy’s food. This can make mealtime a bit of an event in its own. Unless she’s asleep, or I’m at work, rarely do I truly get to enjoy my meal.
Freedom
Gone are the days that I can plan to do what I want, when I want. Though we still do all the things we love, it now revolves around nap time, meals and bedtime. Having a schedule for her is imperative. This is no revolution on my behalf, I knew this was going to be the case as soon as she was born but I do miss the ease of my former schedule and the ability to get things done. I’d be lying if I said I wish I didn’t have to think about packing an additional 74505 things for our family vacation, it’s time-consuming and a lot of effort.
Though there are things I miss about my life before motherhood. I wouldn’t change any of it. Sure I can’t eat all my meals alone and have to think about her schedule for the next 18 or so years, I love it. I love the sticky hand prints all over my coffee table, the knocks on the door when I’m trying to use the washroom and the true love she has for us.
Children are the most honest and loving creatures out there. The love and appreciation she shows us everyday continues to blow my mind. I love being a mom more than anything in the world, even peeing alone.
What do you miss from your pre-kid days?
Catherine is a first time momma to a rambunctious toddler. When she isn’t soaking up all that motherhood has to offer, you can find her blogging over at Plunged in Debt where she chronicles her and her husbands journey out of debt. You can also follow her on Twitter.
I love finally being able to sleep through the night again. I was always on night duty since sleep deprivation does not affect my mood. Over the years it was nappy changes, night terrors, nightmares, awake at 4:30am, bed wetting… I’m finally able to sleep undisturbed, and even sleep in, now they can make their own breakfast. Luxury 🙂
Well, our kid just got born, so I really miss those times when I could actually sleep throughout the night! Also, I miss watching movies together with my wife and staying up late with friends. Oh, and now I can really appreciate the moments of silence because my little fellow can scream! :))