Crusty

I posted a version of this to a blog I wrote on occasionally.

And then I deleted it.

I guess my direct tone doesn't fly everywhere.


We all know it is not politically correct to refer to any colleagues as "old." Instead you should say "experienced" or "seasoned." So, if after almost 6 years of motherhood, I am a "seasoned veteran," my level of seasoning would be "crusty."

Why crusty? Because I am smug. I am over-confident. I roll my eyes at new moms and moms-to-be.

I am sorry.

I, too, was once a new mom:

• I called the pediatrician to see if my one-week-old slept too much. in fact, I even did this for my second daughter (I had either forgotten - 2 years is a long time! or I was so used to an active, talkative 2 year old that a silent newborn was disconcerting).

• I also stressed about my day care situation. Granted, several of the teachers were illiterate, but in hindsight, both of my little ladies are smart, healthy kids. They are social. They are bright. In short, the impact the Hoos and I have on them as their parent is way more significant than that of day care. Even if it does seem like they spend a lot of time there.
• Was I ever sleep deprived? You betcha! Did I ever imagine that I would sleep past 8 and have my babies take care of themselves? Never. But did that happen? Yes.
• Did I wonder how I would deal with two children? Only for about 9 months. Okay, and maybe an extra two or three. And, even if LP and AK don't always get along, I have no doubt that my girls will always be best friends. And before too long they will undoubtedly plot against me - together.

So, I promise to try to minimize the eye-rolling and head-shaking - if you all promise to remember that it does get easier, no one is perfect, and you are doing an awesome job. Oh, and that your kids will love you no matter what.