The Little Things

When Steve and I first started talking about having kids, everyone who was already a parents warned us of all the things we would be giving up. Past the "party" stage in our life, we decided we were ready! Fast forward a few months and we were pregnant. Then advice, books, and the internet were even more persistent in telling us about the things that would change in our life. We wouldn't go out to dinner as often (check), we would sleep less (check), our schedules would revolved around naps and feedings (check), you learn to do things with one arm (check), etc. However, since becoming a mother, there have been a few things that have changed that are so little that people don't think to mention them. Books don't talk about them. They become part of your every day life as a parent that you don't even realize it's changed. Here are a few that I've found.

Parking lots. Previously, when I was looking for a spot in the parking lot, I would make a few laps to see if there was an upfront spot. Now, I don't necessarily look for an "upfront" spot. At the grocery store, I look for a spot that is close to the cart return. It's not a good thing when you unload grocery's, buckle a child into their seat, then realize you have to travel halfway across the parking lot to return the cart while your child is sitting in the car. Alone. At that point, you either have to get your child back out  of the seat or be one of the really annoying people that leaves their cart in the middle of a parking spot. Instead, I choose to park as close to the park return as possible.

Music. Babies love music. I see videos of babies bouncing to rap or pop or even country. Not that Sadie doesn't like my music, but for some reason, baby music just makes her happy. She isn't the biggest fan of the car seat, but when listening to "Wheels on the Bus" five times over gets you from place A to place B without any crying - you do it.

Night Off. There have been a few nights that I been blessed with a wonderful Mother as she has watched Sadie for me. You would think I would take the time to do as much as possible, and while some of the nights I have, there have also been a couple of nights that all I want to do is sit on the couch, catch up on my DVR, and go to bed. Funny how that works.

TV/MOVIES. After previously mentioning the DVR up there, I must say, my DVR is so backed up! You would think that since you spend more time at home after having a baby that you would be watching more TV. Well unless that more TV includes The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, you are mistaken. Also, I knew trips to the movie theatre would be few and far between, but I thought I would at least catch up with plenty of DVDs. Wrong again. Although, this may have to do more with living with my parents, who are not big movie people, whereas Steve and I watch movies all the time.

I am sure there are plenty of over "small" things that have change that I have not mentioned. Have any Mommy readers thought of anything else??

All I can say is, everything I have mentioned, and far more, is completely and 100% worth it.