Motherhood is one of the most blessed positions a woman can have. For nine months you have the glorious experience of carrying your growing child in your womb. Clothes begin to fit a little snug, but that’s ok, because this weight gain is purposeful. Your hair is thick and luxurious, you have a splendid glow, and people compliment and congratulate you on the upcoming birth. The baby isle in the store is not longer passed by, but becomes intriguing at each visit. Collections of baby books and DVD’s seem to overwhelm your shelves at home. Then the day comes and yes, although the pain for some is unbearable, it all seems to fade away when you lock eyes with that heavenly baby as he or she is placed in your arms. Your hospital stay seems long and you yearn to go home and experience this treasure you have just received. As you arrive home, you spend the full day gazing into those precious eyes, hoping your angel knows how much you love them and waited on their arrival. As guest’s come and go and nighttime falls, you gently lay your baby down in the plush bedding you received at your baby shower. Then just as you lie down and close your eyes, pondering the splendid events that have occurred…the crying begins. But that’s okay, because just the thought of your baby’s coos ignites the flames of your new flicker of motherhood.
Now it’s day 120 and the odds of you getting a good night sleep is the equivalent of winning the multi state lottery! Now you find yourself skimming through the array of pregnancy books looking for the sleep deprivation chapter? You look and find there is something stating you should sleep when the baby sleeps. Ok, so while you’re asleep how is anything going to get done in the house? Gone are the days of sleeping 7 or 8 hours, taking a shower at will, or just even some of the monthly beauty rituals of getting your hair and nails done. Those excited guests who helped you so much are now absent going on with their daily routines of life. Oh how you wish someone would just offer to come by and sit with the baby so you could check off one item on your to do list. If you are married, your husbands inability to get out of the car while holding the baby, the diaper bag, and a pacifier is no longer cute, but taxing. Now don’t get me wrong, those eyes are still as angelic as ever, but if they could just stay closed for longer than a10 minute catnap your lives may be able to function better. Instead your dashes to the bathroom are so quick, you could go toe to toe with Usain Bolt any day. Momma said there would be days like this and in the back of your mind you know it has to gets better.
Day 5,110 and the ability for you to achieve a good night sleep have been accomplished for a while now. But, while you are sleeping, your days are now spent at the mall following your teenager keeping up with the fashion trends. Back to school is now the equivalent of Fashion Week in New York and your job is now fashion stylist or guru to your child. Those angelic eyes are still beautiful but are stayed fixed on the texting screen of their cell phones or on the Internet checking their Facebook. “Mom can I…” is overly used to the point you begin to wonder if your child knows any other words. You’re now a soccer, basketball, cheer, or volleyball mom standing in amazement of how your title changed to chauffeur. Now you spend your days shuffling around your kids and the next big event on your calendar is the monthly PTA meeting. Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the PTA, but what happened to your “Me” time?