Yesterday I mentioned all the things before kids that I "missed." I'm not sure I really miss them, except, perhaps, sleeping in when I'm tired. Autumn has absolutely no concept of Mommy or Daddy having long, busy days that lead to late nights. She's up and ready to go, wanting us to get up, bright and early every morning. One time she sort of slept in, and it was a treat.
Anyway, now it's time to think of the positive things. The serious things.
After Autumn, I discovered how much love comes from a big, wet, slobbery kiss.
... I have spent more than an hour decorating a birthday cake.
... I learned much pleasure making a birthday cake would give me.
... I found out how much stuff I can pack in my car.
... I learned how to close up a stroller using one hand and one foot.
... I found out how well I could function on wee amounts of sleep.
... I discovered breastfeeding doesn't really make you feel like a cow being milked.
... I learned there's no limit to the time you can stare at a sleeping child.
... There is no such thing as taking too many pictures.
... The joy of cuddling with a sleeping child has no bounds.
... I question myself constantly.
... My own needs no longer matter so much.
... A please and a hopeful look can make me turn into a pile of mush, willing to do just about anything she asks.
... I now have less time to read books for pleasure and I subscribe to magazines related to child-rearing.
... I found out what a wonderful word "Mommy" is.
... All other things are no longer that important.
... I've learned patience.
... Raspberries on bellies and Mommies jumping up and down are incredibly funny.
... Sometimes it takes a half hour to leave school. Or a half hour to leave the house.
... I've learned a child's whims can quickly turn into a child's "needs."
... I've learned emotions can change at the drop of a hat.
... I've learned how valuable, and wise, my mother can be.
... I've learned all those Mama Bear and Papa Bear instincts you hear about really are true.