Recently watching home videos from when my children were smaller, I was overwhelmed (once again) by how much I love them and how much they have grown in the last few years. We often take for granted that our offspring will grow up, but it is so amazing to see it in full colour on the t.v. I am often torn between pride that they have grown up so beautiful and healthy and a slight sadness that I can’t ever go back and see them when they were babies. I would love to be able to do that, not turn back the clock permanently, just a quick visit.

Not only have my children changed, but I have changed since having children. I was thinking about all the things about me that have changed as a result of having babies or being a mother, positive and negative changes. The list seems to be endless, but here are a few… 

Wider Feet – That’s right, I’m sure all you Mom’s out there are giving me a shout out as you squeeze your feet into your shiny pre-baby heels that you can only wear comfortably when you are sitting down and there is no weight on them!

Aversion Therapy  – I used to run away from spiders and earwigs screeching like a 2 year old, until my son began to respond in the same way and my hubby begged me to help him cope with little crawlers maturely, so he wouldn’t be ridiculed by future peers. I am happy to report that I now successfully deal with rogue spiders by stepping on them and swallowing the bile. This summer I endeavoured to do the same with snakes. While on vacation, my 9 year old found more than 10 and I actually held one, in an effort to prove that I could do it with out passing out. Baby steps.

Medical Degree – Okay, so I haven’t actually achieved a Phd in medicine, but I am super-proficient in identifying all forms of pink eye, lice, constipation, ear infection, fever, warts, ingrown toenails,  flu etc..

Instant Alertness – Since the time my son was nursing I have honed the ability to wake up at the drop of a hat, whether because my alarm is going or because one of the children is having a nightmare. This skill would have been handy in high school when I slept through the alarm for an hour straight, however it is an imperative part of being a mother especially since their dad is a heavy sleeper and often sleeps on his only good ear!

Blissfully Ignorant- There was a time when I enjoyed watching the news, I like to keep up with what was going on in the world. Since I had my first child, I have become a sobbing pile of tears whenever I read of an abducted child or murdered grandmother. Stories like the abduction of little Jaycee Dugard cut me to the core and cause an irrational fear of my children leaving my sight even for a minute. 

Media Censorhip- As a grown up, I am able to watch whatever I want on tv. However since my little ones started paying attention, I have to be much more vigilant about what they are experiencing through the screen. Just because something is on the Disney channel doesn’t mean it’s appropriate. Especially when every other show has idiotic irrelevant parents and children trying to get away with all sorts of bad things.

Expanding Comfort Zone – There are so many things that I was reluctant to do before I had children. Activities like swimming, hiking, and crafts come immediately to mind. But since becoming a Mom there are so many things that I have been able to do or experience that have enriched my life. Camping, Teaching Sunday School, Volunteering at the School, Waterslides, Cool Halloween Costumes, Field Trips, Splash Pads, Making Playdough plus many more.  I am so grateful for the opporunities my children have afforded me.

Physical Imperfections - I like to tease my children that I had a perfect body before I had them and that all the stretch marks, skin tags and extra rolls were the price I paid to bring them into this world. What? They weren’t there, they can’t prove it’s NOT true!