sacrifice
By popular demand (or at the request of my husband) I will be writing today's post. I have been racking my brain the last few days on what to write about and have come to the conclusion that I am an expert in one thing and one thing only… being a mom.
This doesn't mean that I know everything there is to know about parenting or being a housewife, it simply means that this is what I do every day. It's my "job" if you will, and I'm sure everyone likes to think they are an expert at their job.
The question I pose and often ask myself is… are the rewards of being a full time mom greater than the struggles? I can't give a definite answer to this question. Although I love my kids more than I can express, there are days when I would like nothing more than to put a muzzle on them both, lock them in their rooms and go shopping, or perhaps have a relaxing pedicure!
Some days I can't believe how "perfect" my girls are, and I can't get enough of them. On those days I feel like the sacrifice of a two income household, having all of the wants in life, and the pleasure of adult conversation is all worth it. But then there are the bad days...
Thanks to my wife for taking time out of her busy day to humor me. I think she has good things to say, and is a better writer than she gives herself credit for. Keep reading over the next month for the continuation of 'Like It Or Not.' This was only a taste of things to come.
photo courtesy of pbo31
It's true what Johnson and Johnson says, having a baby does change everything. Like it or not, kids force you to make lifestyle changes. Perhaps you've had to sacrifice and downsize. You're no longer able to maintain the standard of living you're used to, and it's either make a change or face years of debt. Maybe you've had to upgrade and move out of a that small apartment with the neighbors who party and make noise until the wee hours. Even if the previous scenarios don't ring true for you, I'm sure you've had to make many sacrifices as a parent. Here is a list of ten things that I've sacrificed for my kids:
- An income - but at least I got a promotion soon after my wife quit her job!
- A car – I've heard it's hard to get kids in and out of a 2 door… I'm still skeptical.
- Swearing – this may come as a shock to those who know me best, but it's true, even I let the occasional expletive fly.
- Friends – this one's a bit painful to write, but true nonetheless. Gone are the days of heading out for coffee at night on a moment's notice, or playing video games till the crack of dawn.
- Masculinity (but just for brief periods of time) – if the three year old wants to play stickers before going to the store, and I spend an hour out and about with some pretty yellow fairy stickers on my shirt so be it.
- Romance – it's much harder to be romantic when come 8:30 the parents are ready to crash too. That and the fact that I used up all my moves trying to get the girl, so now that I have her, I don't have to be romantic anymore, right?
- Dignity – this one flew out the window the first time the three year old congratulated me for pooping on the potty like a 'big girl' and rewarded me with a jelly bean.
- Toys – as a geek, I really like gadgets, but these days my gadgets consist of things like a laptop that teaches you the alphabet and a Vtech Whiz Kid learning system.
- Selfishness – although this is a daily battle, my kids always have a way of reminding me that it's not always about me. Who cares if it was a bad day at work, when there are games to be played, cowgirls that need horsey rides, and shirts to spit up on.
- Hygiene – there is always something gross that needs picked, wiped, or otherwise removed from a toddler at a time when you don't have the appropriate tools for the job (Kleenex and hand sanitizer).
What have you sacrificed for your kids?
