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Feb 14, 2003 I can remember a time when going to the grocery store was a duty not a fieldtrip. I can remember a time when I did not know PBS afternoon line up. I can also remember a time when my car stereo was blaring with Jars of Clay. I can remember a time when I would wake up, get dressed (alone), eat breakfast, and then walk to my car and leave. In short, I remember what my life was like before I had kids. As I await the arrival of our 3rd (due in about 7 weeks) I thought that I would reflect on what I have learned during the 4 ½ years since I became a parent. I have heard people tell me they would never want to be a stay at home parent or that they are not ready for kids yet. I’ll admit, it was quite an adjustment going from College senior to mommy in 6 months but I learned so much more in these 4 years since I graduated from college than I ever did the 4 years I spent there. I thought I would give parents a chance to maybe see if they see themselves in these lines. Maybe you have something funny you have learned as a parent. I’d love to hear from you. For those of you out there with kids, or considering entering the rewarding world of parenting, this is for you. 1. I have learned that even though I could stand up against the toughest professors in college with out breaking a sweat, the fear of losing a baby doll at bedtime grips my soul. 2. I have learned that those big purses and book bags I used to carry were completely unnecessary. All you really need can fit in a pair of jeans. 3. I have learned that one benefit of listening to those children’s song tapes over and over is you realize your voice isn’t ½ bad. 4. I now value any opportunity to use the bathroom by myself. Between a 4 year old who always needs to go and a 1 ½ year old who thinks she can go, having those precious moments alone are usually reserved for after they go to bed. 5. I have learned that with the right accessories spit up on your shoulder is really quite stylish. 6. I have learned that it is possible to sleep in 1-2 hour intervals for weeks or months at a time and still function somewhat normally during the day. 7. Be careful what you say on Saturday, because the whole church will hear it during children’s time on Sunday. 8. The only way to make a 4 year old understand the concept of time is to turn off her video. 9. I have learned that my husband and I can actually carry on a lengthy conversation about our children’s body functions without thinking it weird in the least. 10. I can now change a wiggling baby in the dark on 20 minutes sleep. 11. I have also learned that it is nearly impossible to go out and not discuss the children. 12. I have learned there is nothing more beautiful than hearing your child ask you for a hug. 13. I have learned that I can run amazingly fast if my child is in danger. 14. I have learned that nothing is more fulfilling than being a parent. 15. I have learned that I have never worked harder or stressed more over something but I have also never had the huge rewards that I have with being a parent. 16. I learned that my dad was right when he told me “Once you see your kids for the first time you feel a love you have never known before.” 17. I also learned my mom was right, no matter what they look like when they are first born, every mother thinks hers is the most beautiful baby. I have seen some of my friends from high school and college recently and I hear about the fancy clothes and cool jobs they have. I also see people who travel the world rubbing elbows with big important people and I wonder if I made the right decision starting our family when I was 22. I was a college graduate with honors who had people calling me offering me jobs. Then I look at what I have accomplished with my family and I realize that nothing anyone can do is more important than loving a child. Not all of us are ready to have families when I did but I wouldn’t change a thing if given the opportunity. When my 1 ½ year old was recently in the hospital I told my husband parenting isn’t for wimps. I became a mother 4 years ago but I will spend my life working to be mommy, which is the true challenge. But it is also the greatest reward. About the author: I am 27, married with 2 kids and a 3rd coming and I am a youth leader at my church. I am currently a freelance writer with 1 published article. Email Tiffany Colter: greatcommission2@aol.com ------------ Comment on this column in the forum. ------------ |
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