Friday, June 12, 2009

Before I was a mom...

I made fun of parents who couldn't spend a night or weekend away from their infants/toddlers.

I thought that little hands and feet were just that, not the embodiment of hopes and dreams.

I was afraid that I was too selfish to love a child.

I didn't appreciate a good night's sleep.

I looked down on moms who didn't wipe their child's nose the second a drop of snot emerged.

I didn't care what I did to my body, it only had to last for me.

I was critical of families who had toys all over their yards.

I went away for the weekend with no more planning than I put into a trip to the grocery store now.

I never thought that I would be so brokenhearted about weaning my child at 20 MONTHS.

I didn't think I could love my husband any more than I already did.

I never thought I would be needing, and taking, parenting advice from my baby sister.

I didn't know just how sweet and patient my own parents were.

I had no idea just how beautiful a child could be.






















What a strange and wonderful trip parenting is.
Posted by CaraBee at 6:26 AM

23 comments:

  1. KristiJune 12, 2009 at 9:54 AM

    SOOOOOB! YES YES YES! Ahem.

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  2. BeckyJune 12, 2009 at 10:09 AM

    I can't imagine my life without them! It has been the most awesome ride;)

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  3. Lula!June 12, 2009 at 10:17 AM

    Preciousness.

    But you're going to get over the "leaving your child for a long weekend" issue, right?

    HELLO...
    you HAVE to get over it. With no guilt or fear. Or else I'll make fun if you. While in front of you. In person. All up in your Kool-Aid.

    Yep. I'm mean.


    XOXOXOXO!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. HollyJune 12, 2009 at 11:17 AM

    Love this, Cara! It's all true.

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  5. MelissaJune 12, 2009 at 11:47 AM

    Cara, this post is so great. I want to apologize to my mom over and over for what I must have put her through.

    I used to be so judgmental of parents who's kids had kool-aid mustaches. I thought, "Can you keep your child clean?" What a moron I was.....:) You just don't know what you will do until you are the parent.....

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  6. TatianaJune 12, 2009 at 11:56 AM

    Beautiful :) I used to be so judgmental and such... I hated hearing and seeing kids running around... I thought it was hideous when they were snot-nosed, and their missing teeth smiles weren't charming, they were just STRANGE.

    All of that has changed. I have so much more sympathy for moms, and I'd even say I have love for them now. Their kids make me smile regardless of what they're doing. I find myself watching children that actually WALK ON THEIR OWN with amazement.

    I think it's scary to imagine a night or weekend away from Maia.

    But dudette, you're going to BlogHer!

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  7. Jane In The JungleJune 12, 2009 at 1:23 PM

    Beautifully said and oh soooo right on!
    Lookinf forward to meeting you at the EE in Nov. !

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  8. Maternal MirthJune 12, 2009 at 3:18 PM

    You. Speak. The. TRUTH.

    :o)

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  9. Keys to the Magic TravelJune 12, 2009 at 5:24 PM

    Wait...you are coming to EE?! How exciting!

    I've always thought that I was a horrid mom because I looked forward to that long weekend...and as a matter of fact, any excuse for an escape...

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  10. JenniJune 12, 2009 at 6:21 PM

    So very VERY true!

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  11. Anna LeflerJune 12, 2009 at 8:49 PM

    Oh, yes...and so HUMBLING.

    What a sweet post!

    Have a great weekend...

    :^) Anna

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  12. AubreyJune 12, 2009 at 10:56 PM

    The best trip I have EVER taken!

    So well said!

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  13. MomisodesJune 12, 2009 at 11:52 PM

    As someone who spent her career as a single woman with mothers and families, I can say ditto to nearly all of those feelings.

    It is truly amazing how a child can change EVERYTHING.

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  14. Zip n TizzyJune 13, 2009 at 2:26 AM

    Brava!
    You've got yourself a darling.

    ReplyDelete
  15. mepJune 13, 2009 at 8:50 AM

    You are so right on all counts. I especially did not understand when people were reluctant to leave their kids for the weekend. I also admit to imagining my kids would not be watching too much television.

    Your post is a great reminder to seek to understand/support other parents instead of slipping into judgment mode.

    Your weekend away is going to be AWESOME!!!!

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  16. AngelaJune 13, 2009 at 10:23 AM

    Awesome thoughts! Hubby and I are trying for our first!

    Thanks for following my site. I look forward to checking out yours!

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  17. EricaJune 13, 2009 at 1:42 PM

    Soooo correct! These precious children of our change our lives forever!

    ReplyDelete
  18. bernthisJune 13, 2009 at 5:10 PM

    I never knew my heart could feel like it would burst from such overwhelming feelings of love

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  19. kelJune 13, 2009 at 7:46 PM

    I know!! being a mom is the best!!!!

    ps. Changed my blog name from Girl n the Glasses to
    http://www.ahesitanthousewife.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  20. JenJune 13, 2009 at 8:28 PM

    I couldn't agree more and that is a beautiful picture of you and Bean.

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  21. AnonymousJune 14, 2009 at 10:26 AM

    SO true!
    I love your pic. so peaceful

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  22. BaileyJune 14, 2009 at 9:12 PM

    So sweet! I completely agree.

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  23. jori-oJune 14, 2009 at 10:13 PM

    Ah, so VERYvery true. Lovely.

    ReplyDelete

Give me some sugar, baby!

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