A Letter to Me Before You

Do you ever wonder how different your life would have been if the “Mom” version of you could have given advice before you had kids? I know it’s a weird idea to consider, but just picture a Back to the Future moment. Today I’m linking up with a ton of incredible Mom bloggers to reflect on motherhood and life before we became Moms. Enjoy the motherhood advice and don’t forget to check out the other letters.

My letter as mom…..

Dear Me,

Have you started to really think of what your life is going to be like with a baby yet? I know it’s crossed your mind once or twice now that you’ve been married for a few years. Before you get all giddy though thinking about being a Mom, I want to tell you a few very important things.

First and foremost: Motherhood is HARD… harder than any movie or book portrays it. Each woman’s journey as a Mom is different, so throw all of your expectations and assumptions out the window right now.

Second, when someone tells you to sleep while you can – SLEEP WHILE YOU CAN. You’re going to give birth to two beautiful girls who won’t like to sleep until they’re two. And even after they start sleeping through the night, they’ll take turns waking randomly for years. The girls will ask for water, food, cuddles, songs, etc. Don’t worry though – you adapt to not sleeping and actually function well on just a few hours of slumber a night.

Third, take some photos of your pre-baby body. I know you think you’re fat right now – but girl you crazy. Pregnancy does a number on your skin, stretching and pulling it in ways you can’t imagine. Your boobs are going to be horrible after you stop breastfeeding, so enjoy that perkiness now. This is the best motherhood advice.

Fourth, you are going to think about everything differently once you have a baby. Say goodbye to True Crime shows and scoffing at your Mom for crying if she runs over a squirrel in the road. You’ll find yourself crying over nothing, everything, and all that is sentimental once you’re a Mom.

Your heart will grow six times the size when you hear your daughter cry for the first time – and shrink 10 ten times when you witness her get hurt. I don’t know how to prepare you for the overwhelming surge of emotions that accompany motherhood. It’s a rollercoaster for sure.

Lastly, spend lots of time with Brandon. Having children can put a wedge in your marriage in the most unintentional way. Travel together, have way too much fun together, stay up until the sun rises and sleep until the afternoon together. Your kitchen dance parties will never end – they only just get better once your little ones are involved.

Don’t fear Motherhood, embrace it with the good and the bad. It will be the BEST stage of your life!