As a child I always dreamed of the moment I’d become a mother. I’d spend my days changing her fashionista outfits (because I just KNEW I’d have a girl first), holding her, and being the coolest mom around. It would all be a walk in the park. My biggest decision would consist of which play dates we would attend and what matching outfits we would wear. Don’t snarl at that idea, in the nineties mom and kid matching outfits were all the rage. So was bedazzling for that matter. My kid was going to have it all.
But the one thing I didn’t expect as a parent, even up until the moment I gave birth to my first child, a son (ha!), that it hit me. The overwhelming knowledge that I was responsible for this tiny little life and the fear I would screw it up. It’s funny to me now, but I remember every time the nurses came into my hospital room I’d ask them questions like, “Is he supposed to do that?”, “Is he cute? I mean I know I think so, but I’m his parent. Is he REALLY cute?” and other fun new parent questions. I was fearful of everything. It shocked the crap out of me how easy it was for them to let us leave the hospital. Did they know if we could make it as parents? I mean for Pete’s sake we had a harder time getting in and registering at the hospital than we did leaving. And we were leaving responsible for a new life. They were crazy! We even had my dad meet us up at the hospital before we left. Now I don’t really know why, but I think we didn’t think we could do it alone, ha! Our car ride home consisted of Sam driving at least 15 miles under the speed limit and me yelling at him because that still seemed too fast.
He was our kid. We had to feed him…was I nursing him enough? Make sure his manly parts recovered from surgery nicely and protect him from all harm. I wanted the world for him and also feared I wouldn’t be able to provide it.
I’d like to say that it’s only a “first kid” reaction, but it’s not. To some extent you ease into the roll of parenting another child without so much fear, but you can’t shake it all. Now I’m not afraid of feeling it, really it provides some sort of comfort to me. Like I know I can be a good parent because I worry, want to protect, and wish for only the best. I would lay down my life for my children. Always heard of mothers speak of that kind of love, but you just never know it until you have that sweet, sweet baby in your arms.
As a Dr. Smith’s Premium Parent, they asked me to share what most surprised me about motherhood. While I wanted to revile in the extreme number of diaper explosions, or the nasty moments spent cleaning up your child’s vomit (why can’t they do that themselves, ha!), or the amount of times I would have to answer the same question in a span of 5 minutes; I just kept coming back to the other. And while I want the best for my children, I appreciate companies like Dr. Smith’s who prides themselves in wanting the same thing for their customers. So it’s not only me in this parenting “battle”, and I know my children’s boo-tays will get the best!
Dr. Smith’s is now available nationwide at Walgreens and they want you to go try them out for yourselves. And why not win some with their $50 Walgreens giftcard giveaway?! You can find your nearest retailer at www.doctorsmiths.com.
Since I shared with you what surprised me most about motherhood, I’d like to hear what surprised you?!
How sore my boobs got and how much I loved my new baby. Also, how much little sleep you can survive on!
AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!!!
I was, and continue to be, amazed at how much I can juggle. At first, it was how much I could do while holding a baby. Now, it’s how much I can do/keep track of while chasing a toddler!
What surprised me most? The fact that breastfeeding is HARD. And sometimes, despite your very best efforts, despite all of your preparations, it just doesn’t work out. And that sometimes you don’t even get it on your second (or third?) time around.
Oh, and mostly that that’s ok.
How little sleep I could survive on! (and how much my heart grew)
I was surprised when I needed an emergency c-section with my first child…the idea of a c-section didn’t even enter my mind when I was pregnant.
You have such a great family! I have 2 sons and a daughter and I’d love another little girl to add to the mix!
I was surprised how much poop is involved. And how much it gets everywhere. 🙂
I am still-13 years later-surprised by things in motherhood.
I’m still surprised daily. So. Much. Whining. So. Much. Poop. And repeat. 🙂
How fiercely I loved her (wait, them!) from the first instant…and, now, how much I’m growing to like her. 🙂
Just how many clothes one child can dirty….yea wasn’t prepared for that one.
I use the dr. smith small to go packets religiously. My nurse actually gave me a whole box and i love this cream for go away fast action for diaper rashes. I feel like the most surprising thing about parenting is that they always learn faster and more than you think they do and when you look around you are amazed at the new things they are doing- livivua
I’m 18 weeks pregnant with our first and while I am super-duper-over-the-moon GRATEFUL, I’m surprised I haven’t been sick. No morning sickness, no symptoms at all. I didn’t know I was pregnant until I had an attack with gall stones and Husband rushed me to the ER, but even then I was not “sick” in the sense of other women’s horror stories. I hope my good health continues, because this is really cool. =)
I am not a Mother or expecting but I sure would be SURPRISED if I was!!! LOL – but I would still like to win a Walgreens gift card! 🙂
I was surprised that I never have time for myself since my baby was born
I was so surprised/amazed at the sheer joy I experienced during birth.
Thank you.
Hope grew within me, I felt like I was never going to be alone ?
Not a momma quite yet, we are expecting our first any day now. But I’m surprised at how exhausted I am! I know this is just the beginning too! (-;
Oh how I learned that not all babies sleep through the night at any certain time! My oldest was 18 months old before he did! Wow. That was a huge shocker.
I no longer carry small bags, always big bags with lots of wipes inside.
I’m Surprised At All The Diapers Babies Go Through!
I was shocked with how much, and well, I could function with very little sleep.
I am surprised at how different two kids can be who were raised together in the same family!
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
definitely how tired i was!
how much help I would need
As my oldest will turn 12 next week. I’m amazed at how much food they eat! We are four kids and they are eating me out of house and home this summer break! I think they have hollow legs or something!
that the bond could be so instantaneous!
rafflecopter: daniel
How different 2 kids can be in personaity
I’m so surprised at the amount of cleaning I do. It’s constant and if I don’t clean constantly, everything easily looks like a tornado has hit.