Things No One Tells You...

There are a few things you aren't really prepared for when you become a parent.  Sure, people tell you all about how you won't sleep for the next 10 years or so and how you'll experience a love like you've never know, etc etc.  As a new parent you only partially listen and somehow manage to put all those bits and pieces of knowledge on the back burner.  Soon enough you learn that these people..with their knowledge were totally and absolutely right.  DOH! (Insert head slap here)... I probably should have slept a little more when I was pregnant.  Here are a few things you aren't really aware of when you become a parent:

• POOP!  Yes, we all poop.  But as a parent and especially as a mother you become borderline obsessed with poop.  Color, consistency, frequency... Did the baby poop?  How many times?  Did the dog poop? Honey..did you poop because I did.  You have to admit though...it's healthy to be "regular" and as mommy you just want your family healthy.  I think you get the point here.  
• The mama bear instinct.  If you mess with me, my baby, or my family... or anyone I care about, I will feel inclined to destroy you (not really..but kind of).  When you become a parent you realize exactly where your priorities lie and it is with those you care about.  You will do anything to protect this!
• Sleep...ha ha ha... what is that???????  If you are one of those (lucky) people who has a baby at 4months who sleeps through the night..more power to you!!  If, on the other hand, you are like me and your baby used to sleep but now wakes every few hours you are tired and have learned to live in a constant haze, then you understand.
• If you breastfeed you become obsessed with it.  It. is. amazing.  
• Schedules.  We used to be able to do anything anytime we wanted.  Not so much anymore.  It is all about the schedule.  Seriously... if you get thrown off the schedule...good luck!
• Baggage.  Preparing to leave the house is a task... you will carry more stuff with you than ever before!!  
• Walking down the aisles of Harris Teeter with the baby in the Ergo and singing Jesus Loves Me OUT LOUD is totally acceptable!
• Acting like a goof ball- you will literally do just about anything to heard the angelic sound of your baby laughing.  It is the best sound in the world.  Whether it be tossing him into the air, singing the same song over and over and over, or dancing and wiggling around until your limbs are about to fall off YOU WILL DO IT just to hear that sweet baby laugh.  Then you will do it all over again to catch it on video!!   (see video below!)
• Love... it is all so so worth it.  All the sleepless nights, leaking breasts, pumping sessions, explosive diapers, etc. you experience a love like you have never ever ever known.  When I am awake at 2:47 in the morning nursing and rocking our baby for the 4th time that night the only thing I can feel is the overwhelming love I have for our precious gift from God.  I think I thank God at least 5 times a night for our incredible blessing.