You Know You're a Parent When...

Oh boy, these could go on forever! But some of my recents:

You Know You're a Parent When:

* you realize you just watched an hour of cartoons, even though the baby is taking a nap.

* the only furniture you own is your King-size bed and the baby's crib/changing table.

*you spend money even when you have no money to hopefully find something, anything that will help your child sleep at night.

*you spend $45 on shoes that he'll grow out of in less than 6 months.

*you spend more $$$ on baby food than your own personal groceries for the week.

*the most utilized item on your phone is the camera and movies- to watch, not to film.

*you sing twinkle twinkle little star in all your glory... and realize the baby is at home with Grammy.

*you talk in baby voice and exaggerated facial expressions while shopping... to yourself because baby is at home.

Yes, each of those things have happened to me recently. It's a little ridiculous. Now, the furniture- we moved and we're moving soon again. So we sold a lot of our furniture and plan to start fresh. But it's interesting what we chose to keep. The money- in addition to all his stuffed animals, blankies, and soothing music makers we own and he does not settle down with, I have recently purchased a self-help book and a soothing music giraffe toy. Here's hoping the techniques and snuggly toy help! The shoes- thankfully, Grammy bought those for him or I would have cried. He is learning to walk (probably still a month or so before he takes off) and I wanted him to have something more solid to practice with. The phone apps- we watch portions of Finding Nemo every day to occupy him. It takes about 3 days to finish the movie though so he's not getting to much media time.

Yes, being a parent sure changes your life. I go out in public without makeup on and sometimes in sweats. That never happened before. I was way too self conscious. Now, who cares? Getting made up every day is too much work! I realize how pathetic my arsenal of lullabies are... but at least the ones I know (or make up) seem to work for Jack. I can't imagine it being possible to have more love for another human being than I have for Jack. I don't want him to grow up... but desperately do all at the same time. I honestly feel like staying in and snuggling with my child is far better than going out with friends any day of the week. I would sacrifice myself without even thinking twice about it in any way, shape, or form needed for Jack's sake. I want to be a better person so Jack will glean good values and lifestyle choices from me (and discover what he wants in his future wife).

So much more, but parenthood has made me a much better person. Thank you, Lord, for sending Jack into my life. Thank you, Jack, for being the most perfect baby a Mommy could ask for.