Fast forward eight years into this chaotic journey of motherhood, where each day seems busier, messier, and more exhausting than the last. I find it hard to believe I once had the energy or inclination to keep such detailed records of bodily functions. It got me thinking about other surprising things I did as a new mom.
Keeping a Poop Log
First and foremost, I can’t believe I actually kept a poop log—seriously, it’s mind-boggling. I can somewhat grasp why I did it, given my anxiety levels (which, let’s be honest, rival my mother’s). Yet nowadays, I can barely remember to jot down my grocery list, let alone track diaper contents.
Night Feedings
Then there were the night feedings. By the time my second son arrived, I had completely dropped the ball on that front. My husband would wake up at odd hours only to find me snoozing with a baby latched on—pretty much anywhere in the house. Now, on a good night, I manage to sleep from around 10 PM to 6 AM, barring the occasional bout of insomnia at 2 AM. The idea of getting up to sustain another human being during the night seems utterly ridiculous.
Waking Up Before Dawn
I can’t believe I used to rise before dawn every single day. Sleep has become a precious commodity in my home. My little early birds actually look forward to the weekends when they aren’t dragged out of bed at 6:30 AM for school. Reflecting on the time when finger painting at 4:30 AM was routine feels unfathomable.
Making Baby Food
I also can’t believe I made my own baby food. While I think it’s fantastic (and buying baby food is absolutely fine too), I genuinely wonder how I managed it. Nowadays, with activities like hockey practice in the mix, a soft pretzel from the snack bar often counts as dinner. Sometimes, the only way I can coax my Kindergartner out of the car at morning drop-off is by promising him an “all snack” dinner, which, per his request, must include a cupcake. Just last night, I’m not even sure my kids had a proper dinner, making it hard to believe that I once took the time to peel, steam, puree, and freeze organic apples, pears, and other veggies in little containers with matching lids.
The Portable Toilet
Lastly, I can’t believe I had a portable toilet in my car. There are aspects of motherhood that no one warns you about, like how potty training can feel like an endless and painstaking saga, lasting from five days to five years, during which your child may fear doing their business anywhere except in the comfort of home or in the foldable potty stashed in the back of your vehicle.
For more insights on parenthood and the journey into motherhood, check out this resource for pregnancy and consider exploring Home Insemination Kit for those looking to expand their families. If you’re interested in getting started with self insemination, BabyMaker offers great guidance.
In summary, reflecting on my early days of motherhood, I find it astonishing how my priorities and capabilities have shifted over time. From maintaining meticulous logs of my baby’s bodily functions to the chaos of daily life and the occasional “snack dinner,” my journey has been anything but ordinary.
Keyphrase: Surprising things I did as a new mom
Tags: “home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”