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?!