All of the planning in the world could never fully prepare you for the changes you face when becoming a parent. I knew the second my daughter was placed in my arms that my world was forever changed. Sure, there are plenty of obvious ways that life is different but some you just don’t expect.

Unexpected ways becoming a mother changes you.

You mature A LOT.

I mean, when I had my daughter I was just turned 20 years old. I didn’t know what I wanted from my own life, but then I realized that I now had to plan what was safe and wise for my daughter. It really changed my whole perspective on life. I realize this doesn’t ALWAYS happen… but dang did it happen to me. Everything sort of fell into place and I knew that I was living for my children.

You become more germ conscious.

Before my kids were born, I didn’t know a whole lot about germs. I knew the basics like washing your hands when you use the restroom and before you eat. But the first time we had a stomach bug in the house (and I am a vomit phobe) I realized there was a whole nother world than I knew of. Kids cannot even comprehend germs and it seems like they flock to the dirtiest things and stick them straight in their mouths. And the WORST thing as a parent is watching your child down and out sick. So, I quickly became more germ conscious and try to instill that in my kids. We don’t have to be afraid to live, but we definitely want to take care of ourselves.

No matter what life throws at you, it will always be okay.

Seriously. We have had SO many ups and downs. We aren’t rich. We have struggled A LOT. But one smile from my babies is enough to take the darkest day and give me sunlight. Kids are so pure. They love the little things. They appreciate everything. My kids have taught me not to take everything so seriously. That no matter what, it will be okay because we have each other.

You want to be the best you can be.

This is one of the biggest things. I would be willing to bet that most mommies struggle with the thought of whether or not they’re doing the best they can. Are we feeding them the best foods? Are we using the safest car seat? Is the baby sitter or daycare trustworthy? Am I doing enough for the family? Can I do more?

We place a lot of pressure on ourselves and I do believe that any pressure pre-baby gets a whole lot heavier after you have children.

You get a stronger stomach.

Gooey poo gets on your hands when you slip while wiping your baby… No biggie. Your infant spits up all over you. It happens. Your child slices his hand or foot open while playing and starts bleeding all over… You deal with it. Sure it may not be fun and your anxiety will probably go through the roof, but somehow our instincts take over and we can stay composed. I am the world’s biggest baby when it comes to most bodily fluids. But I have seen in the few years I have been raising my kids, more vomit, poop, and blood than I have ever really wanted to see. I am proud to announce that each time, it gets easier and easier to handle.

 

All in all, parenting is a beautiful and messy journey. It will change you in a thousand ways, but it will also be one of the most rewarding and accomplishing experiences you will ever face.