I always found time to shower....

I have followed Carlathebubblelush since she found out she was pregnant live on camera a year and a half ago.  I've always found her to be very friendly and educated.   I was not so impressed with her recent video:


She talks a lot about "life after baby."  I didn't particularly agree with her take on life after baby and her advice to new parents.  I'll give her the benefit of the doubt on her comments since her baby is only 6 months---listen to me here acting like the smug all-knowing mom.  Really this post isn't a criticism of her, because I've heard a lot of moms make the same comments.

"I don't even have time to shower"
"I am so busy I forgot to eat"
"my baby-less friends just don't get how complicated my life is now"
"taking the baby out is such a production, so stressful, you have to remember so much!"

Let's address these comments one by one.

Showering.  My one friend said this same thing to me. Not having time to shower.  I've heard a dozen moms say it.  Seriously? How long do y'all shower?  I mean I never had time to fully shave my legs and sit there letting the hot water hit me for 20 minutes, but I had time to wash my hair, face, feet, important bits, etc.  I never had time to blowdry and flat iron my hair, but I did comb it.  I didn't have time to put on glam makeup, but I threw on some moisturizer and concealer (especially since my face looked like a pizza after Mimi was born).

Forgetting to eat. Never had this problem (obvious from my waistline).  What's funny is when I was home with Mimi fulltime, I did meal planning, bargain shopping, home-cooked gourmet meals nightly, and all by 6pm.  Since I starting working fulltime, if my husband doesn't cook, I eat cereal and feed Mimi scrambled eggs and peas.

My baby-less friends just don't understand--well this is give and take.  I hate to sound smug and say that people without kids just don't get what it's like to have kids.  I think the child-less ones just don't fully grasp the shittyness of being hungover the next day with a toddler demanding you to repeatedly stack blocks and blow bubbles for them when you have a headache that could kill a horse.  The child-less ones don't fully grasp the concept of never getting to sleep in....ever again--unless you're lucky enough to have inlaws or great friends that keep your kid overnight for you occasionally.  I think sometimes the child-less ones forget that not all restaurants are toddler friendly when they invite you to dine with the gang.....I don't think the child-less ones have lives any less fulfilling or busy than mine.

Taking the baby out is so stressful/difficult etc....Man oh man.  When I had an infant I thought this too.  Now, (here comes my smug-all-knowing-mom-advice) I clearly see that taking a toddler out is way more stressful.  For one, they're bigger, they are harder to wrangle, they yell louder (and can say actually words), and they can run away from you....surprisingly fast.....and you can't use your boobs to instantly pacify them and send them into sleepyland.

Now, I tell this to anyone that asks.  Having Mimi (not just birth, but life) was/is the hardest thing I've ever done, but also the most amazing.  I have less sleep, money, sanity, time alone, time with my husband, time with friends, etc., but I am happier than I've ever been.  Given the chance to do anything, I  love to just cuddle and play with my kid.  She's my world.  Yes being a parent is hard work, but worth every minute, every sacrifice, every lost Saturday morning of sleeping in......