Before I was a mom

Although the TimeHop app will tell me tomorrow, I already know exactly what I was doing this time last year on a rainy Saturday night.  Caleb went to the jamboree to watch other local teams and I stayed home since it was raining.  I ordered a pizza and watched a "rom-com" as Caleb refers to romantic comedies.  Manning was especially cuddly that night.  He kept his head in my lap the entire time.  Even when the pizza guy rang the door bell.  Little did I know, 4 days later I would take a pregnancy test and it would be positive.  My guess is Manning already knew.

I took this picture that night just thinking I smelled like bacon or something:

I saw another blog today that I guess inspired this post.  I haven't had much time to put my thoughts into words lately obviously because I've learned as Wylie gets older, she is needing more attention.  She gets bored with one activity then needs another.  She cannot stand to be still very long.  She likes to sit or stand up.  She is over being horizontal. She also doesn't sleep during the day as much as she used to.  Each new stage is more fun and I love learning along with her.  I often wondered what moms do at home all the time.  A weekend at home for me used to be so nice, relaxing and productive.  Now a weekend at home not going anywhere is just a normal thing yet nothing gets done.  I look back to what I was doing one year ago- watching a movie, ordering pizza and relaxing with my pups on a rainy August night.  Not knowing how my life was about to change.  How I was about to change.  For the better.

Before I was a mom, I slept 8-9 hours a night without interruption or a trip to the bathroom.
Before I was a mom, I cared what other people thought about everything from my clothes to my hair to my house.
Before I was a mom, I kept my house clutter free and burp cloths were not on every table.
Before I was a mom, I didn't sing kids songs in the car at the top of my lungs to prevent crying.
Before I was a mom, I didn't have spit stains on my shoulder.  Or milk in my hair.
Before I was a mom, I was able to eat 3 full meals a day, sitting down, at a decent hour and finish it without interruption.
Before I was a mom, I took long, hot showers.
Before I was a mom, I got regular pedicures every couple months and regular date nights every weekend.
Before I was a mom, my shopping cart was full of stuff, not a baby carrier.  (At least I don't buy as much)
Before I was a mom, I didn't read the chapter on c-sections or did I have a 4" scar across my lower abdomen.
Before I was a mom, the "girls" had a higher altitude.
Before I was a mom, I ran on my schedule and my schedule alone.
Before I was a mom, I organized my closet for fun.
Before I was a mom, I didn't know if I had what it took to be a mom.
Before I was a mom, I was scared to death of becoming a mom.
Before I was a mom, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to be a mom or we would have conception troubles.
Before I was a mom, I thought we could never "afford" to have a baby.
Before I was a mom, I thought I had a good life.
Before I was a mom, I didn't even know just how fulfilling life could be.
Before I was a mom, I wasn't half as strong of a woman that I am now.
Before I was a mom, it was all about me.

As everyone says, being a mom is the most rewarding and most challenging job there is and this is correct. It's also a job that can teach you a lot about yourself, your faith, your husband and your priorities.  Although she be little, Wylie has changed me and influenced my thoughts, actions, motives and outlook more than I ever could have imagined.  This little girl will never know just how much she means to me and what she has taught me about myself, my life, and my faith in God.  Every day is new and exciting and she truly makes getting up and coming home worth every ounce of effort.