Life is different with kids, in some amazing ways, but also some ways that those without kids may not realize. Everyday life is going to change.
Here are some of my THOUGHTS in daily routine situations and what I remember in my pre-kid life
With Kids:
Where are the kid’s shoes – how is it that ONE always goes missing?!, Where are my shoes, where is the diaper bag, do we have everything in the diaper bag, baby just spit up and needs a new outfit, big brother just went potty and needs his bottom wiped before leaving, keys- where are the keys, ok load everyone up in their carseats and let’s go.
No Kids: Let’s go.
With Kids: How fast can I get in and out before the baby chokes on the smallest toy that I didn’t see while picking up? Be careful where you step in the shower because not all of the bath toys are cleaned up from last night’s bath. What is the likelihood I can get clean before my 2 kids start fighting? Maybe I can keep the little one busy by letting him play in the bathroom while I shower- but oh wait now he is throwing his toys into the shower, ok well I will shave later.
No kids: nice hot water. relaxation. take your time.
With Kids: Is this restaurant kid-friendly? Where is the tablet? Who is tired? Is this a good time for dinner? Who is actually hungry? Why are they taking so long? My kid just crumbled up the crackers and threw them all over the floor. Why is that person staring at us, I need (or want?) alcohol but I need to be coherent for the upcoming bedtime battle. Goodness is the food taking forever to come?
No Kids: I would love to order a glass of wine and savor my food and dinner conversation with other adults.
With Kids: I just need to pee so why can’t my 2 kids just leave me alone for 2 minutes because it seemed like they were both busy before I came into the bathroom. Wait I think thats someone’s fingers underneath the door. Which kid is knocking on the door and why can’t they just wait? Ok, I hear screaming.
No Kids: Peaceful time in the bathroom with no distractions.
With Kids: OK it seems like the kids are busy so I will call the guy about windows but as soon as he answers the baby falls and bumps his head, now the preschooler desperately needs a drink right now, someone is at the door, fine I will just call the guy about windows later.
No Kids: quiet, distraction-free phone call almost any hour of the day…
With Kids: I don’t think words could even do this justice because loving your own child is truly indescribable. When that little newborn baby is delivered and put into the arms of an exhausted mother, life changes and love multiplies. Priorities change. In that moment, nearly every decision impacts that little bundle of joy and decisions will be changed based on the baby. That little baby will be reliant on his parents for his every little need and he will love unconditionally. That little baby will glare intently into the eyes of his parents almost as if he is studying. That little baby will love and you will love.
No Kids: I certainly loved before kids. I loved my family. I loved my husband. I loved the material things that I had worked so hard to own. In many ways, I was fulfilled, but having kids changed the love!
How did your life change after having kids? Please share!
