what they never told you

For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of being a mom. I would cuddle with my dolls and tuck them into their cradles. I would play house with my friends and insist on being 'the mom'. I would write letters to my future kiddos and tuck them into a box in my closet. I would write scenarios of what my life would be like when I was a mom. And I would pick my top baby names with my friends (some of which I have used). Motherhood was something that I just couldn't wait for. And here I am, after being a mom for three years... still reminding myself that I really am a mom! I am so thankful God has blessed me with two beautiful girls and could not imagine my life without them. So, as I have been reflecting on being a mom, I wanted to write a list of things that 'they' (whoever 'they' are) never told me before that wonderful day just over three years ago when I held my firstborn in my arms.

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*Not a day goes by when you are not completely exhausted.

*Doing everything with only one hand will be a quickly learned trait.

*The smaller they are, the more luggage they require.

*The 8,000 pockets in diaper bags all have uses.

*You will learn the lyrics of every single kid song ever written. And also memorize the words of every kid book you own.

*Things you vowed you'd never do as a parent, you will do.

*Suddenly you have sympathy for the family in Target with the screaming children (instead of annoyance).

*Seeing your husband step into the role of "father" will make you fall in love with him all over again.

*You will sometimes cry when your baby cries. And it's okay to set her down in her crib and leave the room for a few minutes just to breathe.

*You think it's more fun to shop for your kids than for yourself.

*Garage sales become your best friend.

*There will be some days that you count down the minutes until bedtime. It's okay. Tomorrow is a new day.

*It's okay and necessary to take time for yourself. You will feel guilty, but you need it!

*Sleep when your kids sleep. Even if there's a pile of laundry and dishes stacked to the ceiling.

*Go on a date night (or weekend) as often as you can.

*Grandparents make the best babysitters.

*Your life will never be the same again. In a good way.

*A minivan suddenly has turned into a luxury vehicle.

*You may burst out laughing when you're supposed to be discipling your child because even though what they did was wrong, it was also hilarious.

*Psalm 139 will become more real to you than you ever knew.

*You wonder how you can love a second child as much as your first. But you will. They find a way to make you grow another heart.

*Parenting advice will come from your parents, your in-laws, your neighbor, your friends and the lady standing behind you in the grocery store.

*You finally begin to realize how the hardest job on earth is also the most rewarding.

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So moms, anything you want to add?