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Motherhood Expectations vs. Reality

Someone told me the other day I should have a blog about the reality of having kids since most "mom blogs" are more idealistic or at least don't show the everyday messy reality. I'm not going to create a new blog -- this one is largely about those types of things, anyway. But I decided I'd write a post about that topic. Keep in mind, this is my point of view and experience.

So here we go -- Having Kids: Expectations vs. Reality.

Expectation: I don't think I'm actually prepared to have kids
Reality: I wasn't

Expectation: I'm going to be really tired
Reality: I am

Expectation: I have no idea what I'm doing
Reality: I didn't

Expectation: I don't think I can do it all...
Reality: I can't

Expectation: I am going try my best to balance work and home life
Reality: Still working on that

Expectation: I'm pretty laid back. Wonder if I'll stay that way?
Reality: Eh...

Expectation: I don't like kids... I wonder if I'll really like mine?
Reality: Mostly. ;)

Expectation: I won't be that parent whose kids melt down in public
Reality: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Expectation: I don't think I'll have that "love at first sight" moment
Reality: I definitely did

Expectation: I'll be so ready to go back to work
Reality: Yes, but I also cried when I first took my kids to daycare. (BUT they love it and it was the best decision for us)

Expectation: I'm worried I won't like having kids
Reality: I mean, there are times I'm like, "What have I done??" But yeah overall I like it.

Expectation: Kids just kind of easily go through each milestone
Reality: Kids do what they want when they want

Expectation: Peanut butter sandwiches every day!
Reality: Peanut allergy

Expectation: I'll never let my kid sleep in bed with us
Reality: I'm too tired to fight this

Expectation: I have a plan and like to stick to it
Reality: I'm winging it

Expectation: Parents instinctively know what their kids need
Reality: WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?!

Expectation: I have a pretty good memory
Reality: Why did I walk into this room again?

Expectation: I hope my kids don't just watch those annoying Disney kids shows
Reality: OH WHAT?? Pokemon is on Disney?! Done!

My very first expectation regarding kids, once we decided to try to have them, was that I was going to hate this. And when I found out I was pregnant with Alice, I was really scared. But right at my 4th month of pregnancy, we had a situation where I thought I was having a miscarriage, and that was my turning point. Because at that point, I went from being scared of having her to being scared of losing her.

The stuff above is kind of silly, kind of real. But the truth is every day is awesome and every day is hard. Kinda just like normal life? Granted, there's lots more to do, more moving pieces, and more sleep interruptions. But it's also really fun.

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