Never Say Never

10

never say neverI have so many friends who are pregnant with their first child. It reminds me of the early days when I was newly pregnant and oh so naive to what was to come. I knew my life would change drastically. However, I had a set image of the type of mother I wanted to be. I remember judging (yes, I will admit it!) other mothers and thinking, “I will never do that.”

Three years and three kids later, many of those thoughts and ideas have been tossed out of the window. I have realized that no one can ever be fully prepared for the demands of motherhood. I am now strictly in survival mode, trying my best to make it one day at a time. Here are a few of my pre-mommy thoughts and how they have changed.

1. My children will never eat junk food.

In reality, my three-year-old’s favorite food in the entire world is potato chips with onion dip. He also eats chicken nuggets at least three times a week, more often than not, served with French fries. I thought I would do better with my 11-month-old twins, yet ALL veggies end up on my kitchen floor.

2. I will never drive a minivan.

I now drive a Honda Odyssey! I know it’s not the most attractive vehicle, and it reminds me of a spaceship, but the sliding doors make loading my three little ones into their car seats so much easier. Also, the extra trunk space and added seating can’t be beat.

3. I will never put a leash on my child.

Although I have yet to add this technique to my repertoire, I completely understand why some moms do. With three children three and under, it’s hard to physically manage them all in a public place. And some children are “runners.”

4. I will never let my children sleep in my bed.

Easier said than done. Sometimes, it’s worth it for that extra half hour of sleep in the morning or after I’ve attempted to return my son to his bed for the thirty-seventh time. On numerous occasions, my husband has even spent the night in my son’s bed to get him to stop sneaking into ours.

5. I will never give my babies formula.

What the heck was I thinking? No one told me how hard breastfeeding would be. Luckily, I was able to breastfeed all three of my kids, but not nearly as long as I wanted to. Due to going back to work and my hatred for pumping, it just didn’t last. And guess what? My kids are all thriving.

6. I will never leave the house without showering.

Yeah right! Is anyone able to do this? The only way to fit in a shower is to wake up at 5:00 a.m. or shower with an audience. I used to wait until naptime, but on the way, I usually noticed dirty dishes, unfolded laundry, or Matchbox cars lined up down my hallway. Somehow, time disappears, and I’m still a hot mess.

7. I will never resort to bribery.

If you eat two more bites, you can have dessert. If you follow directions at gym class, I’ll give you stickers. If you stay in your room for ten minutes for quiet time, you can watch a TV show. I never would have imagined negotiating with a toddler. I’m a teacher, for goodness sake! But I always fall into that trap!

8. My children will never misbehave in stores or restaurants.

In following the laws of probability, the more children you have, the more likely the chance of a meltdown occurring. Combine that with having young children stay still for an extended period of time while placed in front of things they shouldn’t touch; you are just asking for trouble.

9. I will never utter the phrase, “Wait until your father gets home.”

Somehow, these words fall out of my mouth, especially when I’ve been stuck inside all day with no adult contact.

10. I will never turn into my mother.

See #9. I am totally my mother! I now understand why she is the way she is. I honestly do not know how she did it! She amazes me.

I know I can’t be alone! What were some of your pre-mommy thoughts?

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Michelle
Michelle is the Owner and Editor of Fairfield County Mom and Westchester County Mom. She has spent her entire life in Fairfield County, growing up in Norwalk and now residing in Fairfield, CT. Michelle married her husband, Chris, in October 2008. Before motherhood, she thought she was busy, but now life with her son Shane (March 2011), twins, Blake and Brynn (June 2013), Hank the Lab, and Bruce the Frenchie; the meaning of hectic has been redefined! Michelle is also a working mom, teaching third grade at a local public school. When she’s not making lists, chauffeuring the kids, and doing laundry, Michelle enjoys standing along the sidelines cheering on her kids, lounging with a good book, eating dark chocolate, and sipping on some tequila.

10 COMMENTS

  1. Love this!!! You have basically summed up my life 🙂 except I have 2 under 2. You definitely have your hands full. Keep up the good work Mama!

    • Thanks Vicky! Instead of doubting our choices,we really need to recognize other mamas are doing the same exact things!

  2. #3! I keep wanting to buy the Skip Hop Harness Backpack (if I’m going to have my kid on a “leash”, it should be cute!), BUT I’m having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that I’ve become that kind of mom!

  3. Oh, this one made me laugh – not at you, but as in an “I’m not alone” kind of way. I will no longer let myself fill with dread knowing that A has eaten fast food or is content and quiet because I bought her the dang sequined hat she took off the rack in the Target dollar bins in order to stop a melt down. We can be hypocrites together.

  4. This is so true! There are moments I think to myself “Darn, I just did what I said I wasn’t going to do pre-kids” with all 10 of these things. Great post!

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