Diving into Motherhood

Being a mom is a funny thing. It is not something that can be explained until you ate one, but even then it is hard to explain.

Other moms just get it because they are one.

Being a mom is wonderful.

Being a mom is hard.

Never before having kids did a mom spend 24/7 with anyone never mind caring for them-

not really even your siblings or spouse.

I mean, before kids, there were bathroom breaks. There was the occasional peaceful drive listening to the wind out the window. There were long showers.

Moms trade this.

But, they trade it to be everything for little someone's who won't understand the trade until they trade too.

It is a loving trade.

It's a big trade, but it is a good trade.

You get to know someone better than anyone else ever will.

You get to experience their firsts. First roll, word, crawl, walk, and later first day of school.

You get hugs, kisses, laughter, giggles, tickles, and lots of memories.

But, you do get tired. 24/7 is long.

24/7 can be wearing.

This is why moms sneak solitary bathroom breaks. They covet nap times and bed times...

They need a break.

Moms, like batteries, need a recharge.

It is normal.

It is normal to be cranky when they don't come.

But, moms must instantly learn to be surfers in a way. They learn to go with the flow and dive into the waves.

There is no other way.

If they don't, the waves or pressures can take them down.

Waves are tantrums, boundary tests, time outs and safety hazards.

There are big waves.

They come.

They come with the trade. When you decide to be a mom it is like deciding to surf. You are no longer sunbathing.

You don't wade in. You jump in and the ocean is cold.

The sunshine is glorious and there is a rush with every achieved victorious ride. But, waves come.

A mom can't expect to surf or parent without them.

But, when you get good at riding the waves, surfing is enjoyable even when you wipe out.

It is all part of the deal.

You need to expect waves, watch for them, paddle into them and ride each one out.

What if you mess up?

You just need to pick up the board, shake it off and get back in the water.

The beach was boring afterall.