Motherhood is a Funny Thing, Sometimes.

Motherhood is a funny thing, sometimes. Last night, Teacher Man and Joe took me out to eat for Mother’s Day and we reminisced with Joe about what life was like initially after we brought him home from the hospital. Joy, happiness, anxiety and … the complete opposite of just about every single thought I had about motherhood before he was born.

I naively and rather quaintly envisioned a baby that would nap easily, enjoy a Baby Bjorn carrier while I did laundry and picked up the house, and would eat on schedule. I know, I know – what was I thinking?

Instead Joe’s pediatrician declared “This baby is VERY alert!” when she checked him over at the hospital before we were discharged. That was surely a sign.

Joe did nap, but only in 45 minute increments, he was not a big fan of the Baby Bjorn, and he ate on his schedule – which was all the time. He was a big baby – well over 8 pounds when he was born and shaped like a mini linebacker – and he continued to grow at a rapid rate, wearing 18-24 months clothing when he was barely 7 months old. He was hungry. A lot.

Of course I adapted and threw my expectations out the window. Poor Earl the pug probably had it worse – I am fairly sure there were days when I didn’t get him outside to do his doggy business until much later in the morning than any dog should have to wait. He was very patient with me. I can recall the scene quite vividly – ignore crying, hungry baby (for just a few minutes) while the dog gets a break outside. At the time, due to severe sleep deprivation I am sure, it seemed very stressful. But now it just makes me laugh. Poor Earl!

Fast forward 9 years, and I can tell you that Joe did eventually learn how to take more extended naps (thank goodness!). He’s still built like a linebacker, although he has absolutely no interest in football and he prefers drawing, writing and video gaming. He is, however, still hungry quite often.

Did I mention that when I was pregnant, I imagined my child would love all kinds of different food? Good one. Instead, I have a kid who would like nothing more than to eat a peanut butter sandwich every single day for lunch if I let him. Seriously. I mean, you’d think he’d at least like a turkey sandwich, right? Nope – poultry is okay as long as it’s in nugget or crispy strip form.

But that’s Joe. And if I’ve learned one thing through this whole 9-year motherhood ride so far, it’s that I’m not going to stress out about some of this little stuff. It all tends to work itself out eventually. Picky eater? Well, it sucks (let’s be honest) but I do score small victories once in awhile, and he will eat what we put in front of him with only an occasional gag or eye roll.

Motherhood is a funny thing, sometimes.  And crazy, difficult and pretty amazing too … I am thankful to be Joe’s mom and I hope all the moms and moms-to-be who are reading this had a wonderful Mother’s Day!