The things I have learnt as a mother.

I wrote this when our daughter was tiny. Still stands. Especially the nap times.

1. Fierce protectiveness. There is nothing like it. I can call her a devil child but as soon as I hear someone say “is she always like this?’ I have to fight every instinct not to reply with sarcasm. But until you have her all day everyday keep your opinion to yourself. Unless it’s to tell me how cute she is. 
2. Tiredness. I got quickly used to functioning on little sleep in the early days. And I’m used to just generally bring tired. However, at least once a month it all seems to catch up with me. The disturbed sleep, the worry, everything hits me at once. And I need a break. I usually get a small one and it makes a huge difference. 
3. Patience. I was never the most patient person but since having our baby, I seem to have zero tolerance. Tiredness plays a huge part of it. After picking up the hundredth sock off the floor, the never ending washing and the dishes I’m usually at my wits end. Or it’s the familiar cry of someone finishing there nap just as I’m about to sit down. 
4. Urgency. I seemed to have developed a sense of urgency for most things. I like things to be done quickly so things don’t pile up. But my husband doesn’t seem to have this sense of urgency. At all. And I pack lots of “in case” things.
5. Poo. It can get everywhere. And it stains. I also like to talk about it.
6. Googling everything. I have asked google so, so many questions. One of the most ridiculous “my 7month old won’t laugh”. She does now. A lot! And its the most beautiful sound.
7. Instincts. It’s amazing how in tune I can be with her. It took me a while to trust them.
8. Crying. It can get really annoying.  
9. Responsibility. This is the biggest one I have ever had. And the best. And the hardest. And the most rewarding. 
10. The washing basket will never be empty. Never. Ugh.
11. Hearing mummy 776 times before 9 am is almost like torture. Almost.
12. I really wanted to make this a list of ten things because its much neater and my favourite number but never mind. Shopping for a little girl is so. much. fun.
13. I thought of one more. Acceptance. The mum that is impatiently telling her toddler to hurry up, the mum that has her toddler scooped under her arms with the shopping bag in the other because she dared to leave the stroller in the car ( I have been there) and the mum that seems to be ignoring the constant call of mummy, try not to judge her. I guarantee her day has been hell so far.
14. Love. Because I know when you look at me, with your beautiful almond shaped eyes that you love me. And that is the most wonderful feeling. And in those moments I’m reminded that all the worries, the stress, the soft body, the exhaustion the everything has been completely worth it. Oh and nap time is a god send.