Things I Wish Somebody Told Me Ten Years Ago

1.      Babies grow up.  Okay, I admit I did know this one in a general sense.  I do grasp where babies and grown ups come from.  But what I didn’t get is that babies…my babies specifically… will grow up and they will it quickly.  Some days this thought is a warning… a reminder to step away from the computer, put down the phone, leave all your distractions behind and just snuggle and hug those little bodies because they won’t be little for long. 

 

        Some days this is mantra that gets me through the latest chaos.  (This too shall pass...this too shall pass...this too shall pass.)  For better or worst each stage has an expiration date.  I didn’t get this at all when I was home alone with my first baby going slightly crazy.  I thought I would ALWAYS be home alone with a baby in a phase where the few conversations I had with friends usually involved poop and breast milk.  That same baby is now happily in kindergarten.  In full day kindergarten.  I’ve been informed that I can still kiss him good-bye, but that it’s best to do it before we leave the house.  I now understand that those cheerful days of good-bye kisses and hugs in front of friends are limited and sacred.  My littlest one started preschool this year and I know my lazy mornings at the park are limited…and I enjoy them all the more with that knowledge.

2.      Working or staying home doesn’t have to be a black and white issue or a forever decision.  I was one of those women who tied herself up in knots righting to figure out the “right” thing to do.  I wasted HOURS of my life worrying this topic to death. Despite all the ramped up reports of a mommy war, turns out there is middle ground.  I know that I’m lucky the option, but working part time is pretty awesome in my book.  I think that I have finally found a balance that works for me.  The kiddos are getting a bit older and I’m working a little more now and I really enjoy it.  Summer are still a little tricky, but I have faith that we’ll work it out.  I didn’t used to have that faith.  For the first time, I don’t know what the future might hold and I’m okay with it.

3.      Choosing a kind, happy partner is far, far more important than choosing a hot partner.  I’ll be celebrating a 9 year anniversary in a few months and I think these years married have taught me a few things.  I happen to think my husband is pretty hot, but it’s his kindness that really gets me.  At this point there is very little sexier than him saying he’ll get the kids while I sleep in.  (I try to return the favor by not talking too much during the Steeler game.)

4.       Okay…I might be out of clever paragraphs here.  I guess what I’m trying to say is that I feel good…better than I’ve felt in years.  I feel like we have survived the intensity of the baby years.  We should have no diapers or cribs in our house with six months (fingers crossed on the diapers…).  I don’t exactly feel like the me I was before I had babies, but I do feel like me.  A grown up, possibility slightly wiser me.  So far, I like my 30s.  I’m looking forward to seeing what else in store. 

(No comments about the “awesomeness” of the teen years please.  I’m not ready to face those facts yet.)