Seven Ways You Know You're A Mom

#putabirdonit

There is no doubt that becoming a mom completely changes every aspect of a woman's life. These are my "a-ha" moments that have solidified the fact that I'm definitely a mom now.

1. "Getting Out" Isn't Quite What it Used to Be - Going to shows to watch Josh drum, and getting a manicure and pedicure whenever I please are both things of the past. Now my idea of an exciting outing is running to the grocery store for 30 minutes without the baby to pick up stuff for dinner. And did I mention this has happened once?
2. I Smell Like Baby Vomit - While this was probably obvious to anyone who was within smelling distance of me, I didn't realize until recently that I probably reek the same stench as the baby. About a week ago, I was about to give the baby a bath in the morning (she always seems to be getting ready before me). As I plopped her in the hot pink tub crowding the kitchen sink, I get a whiff of the back of her head . . . sour milk. I put her in the bathtub and still smelled the stink . . . it was me! 
3. I Can Cook Dinner One-Handed - Matter of fact I can also use the restroom, walk the dogs, clean the house, get dressed and eat 90 percent of my meals using one hand as well. I can also breastfeed, pay for groceries and hold a conversation all at the same time. No big deal.
4. Poop Finger Ain't No Thang - I'm not saying it is not disgusting . . . but it is going to happen. Even the sweetest little babies are capable of insane blowouts where there's no way to avoid getting a little messy. Poop on the finger? No big deal . . . it happens.
5. Showering For Longer than Five Minutes is a Privilege - Occasionally on the weekends I can get a chance to take a long shower, with the door closed, while my fiance watches the baby. Most of the time, however, my showers are taken as quickly as possible while Charlotte is napping next to a baby monitor. Even when she doesn't wake up in the middle of my five minute spa treatment, I still rush to get it over with so I can have some time to get halfway ready before the inevitable happens.
6. Celebrating Bowel Movements is the Norm - After having a fussy, gassy baby who hasn't pooped for two days, I find myself celebrating when she finally blows it up . . . it's the little things, right?
7. Happy Crying is a Daily Occurrence - Maybe I'm alone in this one . . . but at least once a day (typically while we're dancing and rocking to music) I find myself overwhelmed by the joy and happiness of having my little girl in my life. I've always been emotional, so it's no surprise. 

Being a mom is exciting and exhausting. All in all, the hard work and sacrifice is more than worth it when I look at my sweet little child's pudgy face. 

What parts of your daily routine remind you that you're a mom?!

My Village

Charlotte & Her Aunt Natalie

"I'm exhausted . . . " The words fell out of my mouth without any effort. My mom looked at me and reassured that I looked tired, as a lay across her couch with Char standing on my lap. Despite my eight-plus hours of on and off sleep last night, I was out of energy. More than anything, I was mentally exhausted.

Although it is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done, entertaining a baby can also be one of the most tiring at times. It is because of this that I appreciate the help of my village . . . my family.

To say my family is tight-knit is actually an understatement. My sisters and parents are my best friends, and I spend more time with them than any and all my friends put together. Josh once told me that my family is perfect for raising children, which couldn't be further from the truth.

My parents sacrificed their entire lives for my three sisters and myself. Now, they continue to do the same for their grandchildren. Our family is very kid-centric, and for that I am extremely thankful. Not only did this mindset give me a supportive and loving upbringing, but now my daughter gets to experience this overwhelming amount of unconditional love.

From my amazing fiance down to my sweet nieces, everyone in the family enjoys spending time with Charlotte. She is lucky to be surrounded by so many great people, because each influence will impact her life in a different way. For example, my nieces Sadie and Mabie play with her differently from the ways I would, and her dad makes her smile and coo using silly faces and maneuvers that I haven't even thought about. It works out well for the baby, and it works out for mom too. I'm not ashamed to say that I also need a little break every once in a while . . . especially now that Charlotte's naps are almost nonexistent in comparison to her wakeful times.    

During the weekdays when Josh is at work, I am able to enlist the help of my mom and sister. My younger sister Natalie and my mother both operate very differently, but with the same end in mind . . . and that is ensuring the children are well taken care of. I've watched as they've helped love and guide Sadie and Mabie over the last few years, and I'm constantly taking notes on their negotiation techniques. I spend a lot of time with my mom and sister, and because of that they are both a huge part of Charlotte's life. They comfort, cuddle, talk and entertain my sweet little girl. Beyond that, they both go out of their way to make sure that I can do some things for myself every once in a while.

Whether it is coming over for an hour to hold the baby while I shower and make something to eat, or serving as my personal laundry service, I'm extremely grateful for the help of these two women. Thanks to these ladies, not only do I have a time to shower or walk the dogs, but I also haven't experienced postpartum depression. Having them around during the day, rather than just staying locked in my house with the baby and my two pups, really keeps my life upbeat and lighthearted.

Now it's clear why they say it takes a village to raise a baby, not only does everyone have different insight . . . but mom needs a break every once in a while. Not only was I blessed with a sweet little genius baby, I also have a supportive and loving family.

Charlotte is a babbling, smiling, hand sucking, toy playing, aware baby girl who loves her parents, and her village, enormously.

Naturally

I never even changed a diaper before Charlotte came into the world. Now I find myself completely alone, being stared down by a needy (and absolutely adorable) infant. Although I have two nieces whom I love dearly, I wasn't one to babysit without recruiting the help of super nanny aka my younger sister Natalie. When I would express my concern of potential motherhood inadequacy, moms reassured me that it comes naturally. 

After Charlotte came into my life, I was only working with the couple skills that I picked up during the first week—breastfeeding and rocking. There were a small number of times that Charlotte overate because she had a tummy ache. To my surprise breastfeeding on demand didn't equal feeding her for hours at a time, even if she thought that was what she wanted. Now it sounds silly, but at the time I just thought she was still hungry. 

Thankfully, I've learned to decipher when she is hungry from when she has gas, is bored or just wants to be cuddled, rocked and sung to. Being able to determine what she needs and the ability to keep her happy has actually come naturally to me just as all those moms had said it would!

I feel like a different person. Her and I are completely in tune with when she's ready to nurse, and I know what to expect in her diaper over a 24 hour period. I'm grateful my own mother has given me more guidance and advice than I could have ever hoped for. How else would I know how hot to make her baths and tricks to get her to fall asleep when she's fussy? She is getting more aware and smarter everyday, and I know that she's well taken care of. 

Now if a new mom confided her worries to me, I'd give her the same advice I received—motherhood will come naturally. And it rocks!