Things shift dramatically when you step into motherhood. It’s not just about the endless fatigue, the need to pack a mini-warehouse of essentials for a quick grocery run, or those jeans that seem to have shrunk overnight. It’s more about the subtle yet profound changes you never realized you were taking for granted.
Memory:
Before Motherhood: I could stroll from one room to another and pinpoint exactly why I was there. I organized my things neatly and articulated complete thoughts. My mind was a well-oiled machine.
After Motherhood: I enter a room with clear intentions, only to completely forget what I was meant to do. I once put the milk in the cupboard and the cereal in the fridge. I even hung up my phone while searching for… my phone. I often start a thought and lose it mid-sentence. Did I somehow lose my brain cells in labor?
Leaving the House:
Before Motherhood: I simply grabbed my purse and headed out.
After Motherhood: “Do you have your lunch, your backpack, your show-and-tell items, math homework? Why are your shoes on the wrong feet? Did you brush your teeth? Your shirt is on backwards. Hair? We’ll address that tomorrow. Oh, and what’s that on your forehead?”
Sleeping:
Before Motherhood: Sleep was on my terms.
After Motherhood: I find myself half-awake during Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. If I sit upright on the couch, can I snag a 15-minute nap? Are the cleaning supplies locked away? Are the art supplies out of reach? Can kids really drown in a toilet? Ugh, forget it.
Emotions:
Before Motherhood: My feelings were mostly under control.
After Motherhood: They’ve taken on a life of their own. I can oscillate between laughter and tears in a heartbeat, often without any clear reason. And if I can’t find the remote when that SPCA ad with Sarah McLachlan plays? Watch out!
Evenings:
Before Motherhood: Takeout and a movie on the couch was the norm.
After Motherhood: I’m now checking if all food groups are accounted for, managing bath time, and squeezing in just one more bedtime story. Okay, maybe two. Yes, I’ll tuck you in—again. Sure, another kiss is fine. Now, go. To. Sleep.
Body Fluids:
Before Motherhood: Yikes!
After Motherhood: I’ve been peed on, pooped on, vomited on, and have even worn a bit of snot as a fashion statement. I’ve also mastered the art of cleaning all of the above from the living room carpet.
Date Night:
Before Motherhood: “Let’s go out!”
After Motherhood: First, I ask sitter #1. Then I plead with sitter #2, and finally beg sitter #3. I leave a detailed note with 25 instructions and call every 20 minutes to ensure everything is fine. I need to be back by 10 p.m. so the sitter can make curfew and end up paying them more than our dinner cost.
Turn-ons:
Before Motherhood: Flowers, romantic gestures, unexpected gifts were the way to my heart.
After Motherhood: When my partner offers to give the kids their baths, I find him more attractive than ever.
Speaking of Turn-ons…
Before Motherhood: It could happen anywhere, anytime.
After Motherhood: Is everyone asleep? Is the door locked? Ssssshh! Wait, is that crying? Oh well, I’m too tired anyway.
How I Viewed Motherhood:
Before Motherhood: It seemed interesting; maybe I’d like to try it someday.
After Motherhood: I had NO IDEA what I was missing!
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In summary, becoming a mother brings about a multitude of unexpected changes, from memory lapses to emotional rollercoasters. While the challenges are plentiful, the journey is undeniably rewarding and filled with unique experiences.
Keyphrase: motherhood differences before and after
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