Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy
@scarymommy
Latest posts by Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy (see all)
- The Disney Reveal - May 14, 2013
- Met My Match At Disney… - May 13, 2013
- Sunday’s Baltimore Sun - May 11, 2013
Motherhood is middle of the night wake up calls for a glass of water or a fan or a light or a blanket or a bear or a kiss or a band-aid.
Motherhood is making lunch after lunch after lunch after lunch only to find the healthy contents stuffed behind a car-seat.
Motherhood is all of your spending money.
Motherhood is not remembering what it’s like to get a full night’s sleep.
Motherhood is siblings bickering over who can look out of which window and who started it and who you love the most even though you love all of them the same but at the moment you don’t like any of them in the least.
Motherhood is wiping more poop than you ever thought you’d see in your life.
Motherhood is a car so filthy that you are embarrassed to let your own husband see it.
Motherhood is hearing the word “why” at least a hundred times a day and most of the time, not having an answer.
Motherhood is knowing, just from the touch of a forehead, almost exactly what your child’s temperature is.
Motherhood is stretch marks dominating your belly and feet a full size larger than before and sad, deflated boobs.
Motherhood is finally appreciating your own mother.
Motherhood is fantasizing over reaching the bottom of the laundry pile, knowing full well that it’s never going to happen.
Motherhood is singing all the words to your kids favorite songs even though they annoy the hell out of you.
Motherhood is never feeling at peace unless all of your children are with you, under your own roof.
Motherhood is always feeling mildly sick but never being able to wallow in your own misery.
Motherhood is never peeing or showering in peace.
Motherhood is using your sleeves to wipe runny noses and your spit to clean dirty faces.
Motherhood is being able to identify just who is coming down the stairs based solely on the thudding of their feet above you.
Motherhood is not even wanting to say “I told you so” even though you did, countless times.
Motherhood is when, just as you want to curl up into a ball of pure exhaustion and desperation, one of your children suddenly farts or burps or does something spontaneously funny. It’s the moment when you dissolve into a hysterical fit of laughter; the kind that you haven’t had since you and your seventh grade BFF were caught passing notes about which boy in your class you’d most want to be stuck in a closet with. It’s the moment you pause and look at your children, all piled on your bed, breathless and rosy cheeked, and think that the only things that really matter in the world are right there in front of you. They are yours, and they are worth every sacrifice and sleepless night.
And then, it’s the moment, two seconds later, when one of them will accidentally kick the other one on the arm and the other will bite in retaliation and you will wish, for the hundredth time that day, that you could just rewind time and savor that peace and joy for more than an instant.
Rinse and repeat a million times. That’s what motherhood is to me.
{ 188 comments… read them below or add one }
This is lovely and OH SO TRUE!
MummyinProvence recently posted..The Global Differences of Baby-Making- DUBAI- UAE
Motherhood is
better than anything you can ever imagine.
the poop and pee and throw up
that doesn’t even matter.
In the beginning it is overwhelming,
but then,
you wake up one morning, and you aren’t so needed.
It’s a sad feeling.
You will miss it.
I miss all of the little things that used to drive me insane.
In fact, I miss it so much,
I am totally calling Gary and telling him we need another baby THIS INSTANT! : )
Life with Kaishon recently posted..Photographer Interview- Kara May Photography
OK, that made me cry. Please go and have another baby. For ME!
LOVE!
Motherhood is watching over your children all night when they are sick, just to make sure they’re still breathing.
Motherhood is being showered with kisses and I love you’s by your children minutes after you’ve been arguing with them.
Motherhood is giving that last kiss when you check on them before you go to bed at night, and they roll over and smile at you. It makes my heart melt.
Oh that is so nice and true. My mom who has six children, now all grown up always say it – she wakes up one morning and feel lonely that she isn’t that needed anymore!
And it is too late for her to have another baby at 60!!
I’ve got a message for you my dear – you are needed. You’re always needed. I’m 41 years of age and I still need my mammy. Unfortunately she’s with the angels 5 years now but I hope she knew how much she was needed. She certainly knew how much she was loved and appreciated. Ya never stop needing your mammy and your kids never stop needing you.
This was great, Jill.
Currently to me, motherhood is laughing instead of crying when the toddler tells you “Daddy do it!” for the 1,345 time this week. Because even though that means she’d rather play outside with him, he’s most likely to get the dirty diaper too.
My children have never once asked for Daddy to change their diapers. I am incredibly jealous.
Even when our daughter asks for Daddy to do it, he still sends her to me. He’s even left her in a dirty diaper for up to an hour waiting for me because I do it “better.”
Motherhood is realizing that you are stronger than you think
Ayu recently posted..Fear
so incredibly true!
Absolutely
yes. motherhood is hard. gloriously hard.
This is great, Jill and oh-so-true.
Motherhood is realizing your limits can be pushed further than you ever imagined. And you’ll still be okay.
Motherhood is happy sighs.
Motherhood is holding sunshine in your arms.
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Guest Star- Tracy from Sellabit Mum
WOW!
I still don’t know but I will tell you in a couple of days from now…
Your post is half way worrying and inspiring!! ah!
mominrome recently posted..My dog is a spinster
It’s the best thing ever. Truly. Except when it’s not. :) You’ll be GREAT.
The constant screaming and fighting is what pushes me over the edge some days. Well that, and the fact they act like they don’t hear a word I say.
Damn kids. :)
liz recently posted..Why Home Depot Needs a Baby Registry
I know. It’s going to be a long summer.
That is the worst – and that’s what makes my husband and I get nitpicky and short-tempered with each other. I wish I could just ignore it but it’s impossible. So sick of articles that are titled “9 Ways to End Sibling Rivalry – THAT REALLY WORK!”
You are, simpley brilliant. Keep on Keepin’ on. Because when some of us mothers feel like giving up, your words are there to pull us back up again.
Motherhood is watching your children sleep and praying that you’ll have another chance to be a better mom to them the next day.
mom-mom-mom recently posted..Just Because We Worship a Fiberglass Cow Does Not Make Us Pagans
I love that.
Yes so true!
Beautiful
I Love this!!!
Ohmigosh, yes. This.
Motherhood to me is one word: abundance.
Abundance of exhaustion, worry, lack of sleep, lack of me-time etc. But most importantly, it is abundance of joy, laughter, giggles, hugs, wet sloppy kisses, little fingers patting my shoulder telling me; “Well done!”, a beautiful tiny voice chanting: ‘Mummmmmmy!’ like it’s the most delicious word she’s ever tasted, smooth podgy thighs you want to bite and kiss all day, a hearty belly laugh, a cheeky dance – and finally; acceptance of myself because I know that I am the world for this little person – just the way I am. She doesn’t need me to be taller, prettier, thinner or anything. She just needs me to be there, to hold her when she needs me to, to feed her and to love her.
Motherhood to me is a miracle and a blessing that try to be worthy of everyday – even when I things are NOT so rosy in the harsh light of day (or night).
Motherhood is moaning and complaining about hard it is to be mother but at the same time, knowing in your bones that you would never change it for the world.
That word really does sum it all up perfectly.
Motherhood is wishing you knew all this stuff before hand and appreciate all the stress, drama and tears (mine not theirs) because one day you see a photo of them and realise they are growing up and I am just as frightend for them now as I was then, but for totally different reasons.
My son asked, for a school report, if there was anything I would have done differently in my past, I told him that I wished I had taken the time to enjoy them more rather than worrying about dirty nappies, temper tantrums and a clean house. Motherhood is taking all the grotty stuff along with the good, you just have to take a step back from it sometimes.
This was so good to read, and so true. I loved the parts about never going to the bathroom in peace and laundry. Lol. But to me its also the 50,000 questions asked by both of mine (no that’s not combined, it 50,000 each.) And trying to remember they are only curious, but wanting so badly to tell them to figure it out! Bedtime lasting 1 1/2 hours during your favorite shows and trying so hard not to yell, “go to f-ing sleep already!” But then, you go and tuck them in and that’s when I have my “my life couldn’t get any better” moment. Because you’re right, they are mine. And I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. They are my world and this is my life.
Absolutely perfect! Forwarding this to my preggo friends! Love you Jill!
Motherhood is looking for your favorite pair of wedge heels and finding them in your daughter’s closet……..smh
Oh so true, particularly about the swiftness w/which those moments of “oh god I love yo so much my heart will explode” evaporate into “jeezuz you freaking monsters stop hitting each other.” You might add the part about being always right and always wrong, frequently (always?) simultaneously…and you didn’t mention sex, lack thereof, due to: sleepus constantly interruptus.
Thanks for this post this morning!
deborah l quinn recently posted..Moving The Dusty Truth
Motherhood is almost passing out when you walk into the baby’s room & they’ve pooped in their diaper.
Motherhood is gagging through diapers while you’re pregnant with another child.
Motherhood is holding little heads over toilets while they puke up entire meals. Over and over. And then holding them no matter how much puke is on them – because that’s what they need right then.
Motherhood is battling over food. They say you’ll never win those battles but I win, every time.
Motherhood is an endless rollercoaster of emotions: elated, sad, frustrated, down right angry, annoyed, happy, tearful, nostalgic…
Motherhood is your heart breaking when your 3yo decides to choke on a marble. And it slowly repairs itself when the marble dislodges itself.
Motherhood is terrifying when you lose your child in the store – even for a minute. And in that minute you imagine all the horrible things that could happen. And then he peeks around the corner and laughs.
Motherhood is “snuggle parties” (slumber parties) and movie days, grilled cheese & PBJ for lunch, playdates and dirt piles, sibling rivalry and love. It’s just everything all piled into one wonderful season of your life.
S Club Mama recently posted..not for the weak stomached
that brought tears to my eyes!! Beautiful!!
I love this list, Jill. I have a similar list I’ve been working on for about two weeks now and I never feel like it describes how awesome and sometimes painful motherhood can be. I’m working on it though. I have 4 friends who are currently expecting their first baby and they’re always asking me about what it’s “really” like. I want them to know it’s good, bad and yes, it can be very ugly too. But overall, it’s amazing and I wouldn’t trade it for anything! …..except maybe a nice long shower and a foot rub….
Eve {Beautiful Spit Up} recently posted..Scrumptious Sunday – Gourmet Burger and Fries Remix
Funny, I just posted on the same topic – the reality of motherhood that nobody talks about. I’m glad that others are discussing this reality – especially you with a huge audience – with a dose of humor mixed in.
Dani recently posted..Do Children Really Make Us Happy
Motherhood is counting down the SECONDS till bedtime when your little terrors will go to sleep, then peeking in on them once they are asleep and wishing they were awake to cuddle with you.
Brilliant.
This morning Motherhood is arguing because somehow your 7-yr-old has been potty trained for 5 years but is suddenly missing the toilet and leaving dirty toilet paper on the vanity. Then that same boy showers you with kisses on the way to camp saying, “In the whole wide world no one loves you as much as I do…”
Cheers.
VB
Vinobaby recently posted..A Year of 1st Grade Edumicaton
Motherhood is permission to act like a dork and not care what anyone else thinks.
Iva @ This Side of Perfect recently posted..Are You Making the Most of Your 24 Hours
Motherhood is how it feels to have part of your heart on the outside of your body. Learning how to be selfless and putting your needs on hold until your kids are grown….and even then, if they need you. Motherhood is being everything to somebody and the reward is their happiness :)
Julie R recently posted..Teachers Pet
Beautifully said!
brought tears to my eyes cause right now i’m so exhausted i could break into a thousand pieces, but my lo is slping cuddled up against my side with her little feeties under my thighs. Worth every aching muscle and more
Awesome list. I actually thought of this one last night as I sat there exhausted “Motherhood is finally appreciating your own mother”. I don’t know how my mom did it with 4 kids because I can barely survive with 2.
Motherhood for me is pure exhaustion + proudest moments + extreme worrying + wouldn’t trade it for anything + living for 10 minute adult conversations with my husband + who knows what else because I am too tired to think…
Skinny Mom’s Kitchen recently posted..Weekly Family Friendly Weight Loss Menu Plan
my feet are a full two sizes bigger…I am now a sexy 11…
great list, so the truth
Not a Perfect Mom recently posted..How Im Going to Survive the Summer
This is absolutely true and fantastic. I couldn’t have said it any better!
Victoria KP recently posted..The Tale of the Lazy Blogger
Mine is more of a “you know you’re a mom when…”
http://crookedlittlehouse.wordpress.com/2011/06/09/summertime/
An absolutely fabulous and true post!
To me it also includes be a fix-it-all, fix ripped princesses dresses, fix doll heads that have come off, fix teared books….
To my daughter I can fix anything :)
Carolyn recently posted..Salmon & Vegetables w- Creamy Dill Sauce For Baby and Me
Love this! Motherhood is being able to accept the fact that you’ll never have another day go by that you’re not worried about something, even if it’s something small like red melted ice pop juice trailing all over your house.
Nicole recently posted..GBS- We’re Taking a Detour
Motherhood is a sleepy little voice whispering, “I love you, Mommy” just when you’re ready to run for the hills without ever looking back.
Motherhood is the best, hardest, most exhausting, yet inspiring thing you will ever experience.
Karin recently posted..Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick
I LOOOOVVE that sleepy little voice because that “I love you Mam” is the truest – not said to make you smile or because they don’t want you to be in bad humour with them for not listening for the millionth time – it’s just because they do.
Motherhood is everything you never wanted but turns out you absolutely needed. It’s every ounce of patience you have. It’s fleeting and time consuming when it’s there and when it’s gone…it’s a hole in your heart that you wonder how you used to fill.
That’s what it is in my book. I’m still a mom…but no longer defined by it looking for a new definition of myself.
Lynn MacDonald (All Fooked Up) recently posted..In which Tucker fakes his own death
oh Jill, rewind time and savor … oh yes, please!
… a hole in your heart … love these words Lynn, always love me a little fluffy side of Lynn ;)
SO TRUE.
Great list! Totally made me laugh!
Motherhood is changing a poopy diaper to the obvious chagrin of a two year old who thinks she can do it herself. Motherhood is doing a million school projects with your children. Motherhood is graduating from each grade times however many children you have. Motherhood is watching your children run through sprinklers and drip Popsicles all over your driveway. Motherhood is the smell of a newborn’s head on your chest. Motherhood is awesome!
Stacey recently posted..Random Monday Thoughts
LOVE this, especially since I feel like almost every item on it happened to me this weekend.
For now, I’ll two more that also happened to me this morning.
Motherhood is your daughter wiping her blue Toy Story toothpaste on your white shirt just before you head out the door for summer camp/work.
Motherhood is your daughter looking back at you just before you leave at dropoff to loudly yell “I love you Mommy! See you this afternoon!”
Jackie @ MomJovi recently posted..Back to Normal
“…rinse and repeat a million times…”
*love*
LOVE this post. I only wish I was blogging and reading blogs before I joined this sorority.
xo
… am i allowed to admit that this post almost made me cry? in a good way, of course.
rinse and repeat. i wish someone would have told me motherhood was so incredibly worth it… because maybe i would have started this crazy ride sooner!
liz* recently posted..Sticky J – Serenity Ring
Motherhood is never being bored or not entertained. And always having someone to play with. And more eye rolls than you can imagine.
Lori recently posted..Seasons change
my little angels..well not so angelic angels are almost all grown up. My youngest is 19 and it isn’t any different now as it was when they were little. Just now they don’t HAVE to listen to you, and don’t HAVE to clean up there messes (even though they should) and you stress a bit more cause you dont know what they are doing out there in the world. So the line in your poem that got me the most was “Motherhood is never feeling at peace unless all of your children are with you, under your own roof.” and now I get to worry about my grandchildren well being on top of my kids. Motherhood never ends…
Brilliant.
Nikki recently posted..The one with the spoon
Just for the record….I caught a glimpse of the bottom of my laundry basket last night, 30 mins later my DD threw up all over the bed!
And yes, I rolled my eyes and went “God, no” as it was already 11 pm and now I had a kid to clean up and a made to remake not to mention 2 more loads of laundry…
That paired with the fact that I’ve been so busy I’ve not even showered or brushed my teeth today and my fashion sense has gone from classy pumps and a suit to bleach stained shirts and tracksuit bottoms with tennis shoes, because with Mom is crazy enough to drag around preschoolers on 3 inch heels…not me?!
But then the house goes quiet, and all kids are asleep and you look at all their faces and realize, there isn’t a thing in this world you wouldn’t do.
Remember that first time they place them in your arms after they are born, THAT is when you can truly and honestly say: I am in LOVE and I would die for this person, in a heartbeat, no questions asked.
They take over your life, for sure, only because they will BE your life!
“I am in LOVE and I would die for this person, in a heartbeat, no questions asked.” …burst into tears at these words. Beautiful!
Sitting here crying! You said it so well!!
Love this post! Motherhood is loving your child but not always liking their actions. It’s holding them tight and never wanting to let go. It’s annoyance one moment and laughter the next. It’s watching them grow older and more independent as you long to keep them young and innocent. It’s pride and a belief that your child is special, unique and talented. Motherhood is everlasting.
TheJugglingAct recently posted..Fast FoodNever Again!
so true! No one ever tells you what a dirty job it is to be a mama. Poopy bums, washing dishes and bottles, never ending laundry. REPEAT.
Motherhood is you child passing gas and them saying “I farted!” and trying to hold back laughter while getting them to say “excuse me”
Jenn recently posted..His story
My middle daughter will yell ” I tootered ” for everyone to hear. And it doesn’t matter where we are. I try not to laugh but sometimes I have to. And she always says excuse me after she’s done laughing. Little ones are awesome. Love Motherhood!!!!!!!
Motherhood is baby spitup in your freshly washed hair, and not even caring about it!
I’m sitting here on maternity leave with my second son, only 6 days old, and I loved every one of these examples!
Amy recently posted..When Words Arent Necessary
Great post…
Motherhood is the hardest, yet most rewarding job there is.
Perfectly said! And all so true.
the mama bird diaries recently posted..how to take your daughter to a birthday tea party
Jill, I LOVE this.
To me, motherhood is snuggles, kisses, kicks, slaps, screams, laughter….all within a 5 minute window. Over and over and over…
I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Rachel {at} Mommy Needs a Vacation recently posted..Just Six Words
Thank you I loved this!! Here are a few more:
Motherhood is just about killing myself after stepping on legos, but within the same hour being on my hands and knees searching for the missing lego gun, or sifting through the vacuum bag to find one I might’ve vacuumed up.
-caring about Star Wars at all when I never gave it a thought the first time it came out and when I hate Sci Fi as a rule
-working very hard toward the important goal of them not needing you anymore
Beautifully written post Jill. I agree with it all! Motherhood is the best and hardest part of my life!
Well said, Jill. Well said.
Motherhood is like trying to herd cats–an impossible task that is a mix of hilarity, joy and unbelievable frustration. Motherhood is something I would never give up, even when I’m exhausted, irked and unshowered.
…knowing that you MIGHT get to wear something white again in 18 years or so.
… knowing that candy is BAD, but the appreciation + sticky sweet toddler sugars is worth more than all the dental work I’ll be paying for later.
…knowing that there in no medicine in the world that can compare to a mother’s arms when they ‘don’t peeel dood’ .
… knowing that YOU know what’s best for your children, in spite of all the ‘experts’ on talk shows who say otherwise (lol)
…knowing that one day, the sound of a toddler having a meltdown in the grocery store, while making you cringe, will result in nostalgia for ‘the good ole days’ when a toddler tantrum seems like heaven compared to the world-ending drama of teenagers.
I love this Jill !
I love this! I am not a mom yet ( but we’re trying!) but I love to read these kinds of things so I can 1) get a bit of a reality check! 2) get even more excited about being a momma!
Oh yes, all of that is motherhood.
Jessica recently posted..A Weekend with the Family
Very good! I will be sharing.
Motherhood is a dream come true and a nightmare all at the same time. So many conflicting emotions! It is pride, love and laughter. It is also poop, puke and farts. Most of the time it’s not very pretty, but it sure is beautiful.
Jennifer recently posted..Quarantine
Great post!! Rachel from Mommyneedsavacation forwarded me this, thought I’d like it!!! I’m 3 months into this mommyhood deal!! Almost all my friends and all mine and my husband’s siblings have children! I have heard the complaints day in and day out for YEARS now! Plus I nannied a lot in my teens and twenties!! I’m here to say there is NOTHING and NOBODY that could prepare me for motherhood!!!! It’s by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life!!! And I have to agree as much as it pains me to write this… I wouldn’t trade a single second!! One laugh from my baby boy and my day is made!!!! Thanks for the post!!!
I love this post.
Motherhood is loving someone so much you would die for them but who also annoys the shit out of you.
Jen recently posted..My Kid Makes the Darndest Things
i like the way u put that it is wonderful to b a mom im potty train my frist set of and it is hard,crazy but so much fun and alot of memeres.
Motherhood is getting to be a kid again.
Motherhood has taken all of my sleep. It has made me poor. I gave up all of my goals, dreams and passions for motherhood. Motherhood made me realize anger and regret are luxuries I can not afford. I didn’t ask to be a mother. Rather I decided not to. I decided to be a mother, twice over with the full knowledge I would receive no help from anyone, most particularly their fathers. Motherhood has brought judgement from good people who think I can’t possibly be a good mother on my own.
Motherhood is the best thing I ever did.
That is so try brought a tear to my eye. realised how luckly i am to have four lovely children. then AGH. MY TODDLER BITE ME. REALITY CHECK….
Yep, all of these and so much more.
Suddenly caring about healthy eating habits.
Being scared to death of bullies, and peer pressure, and unhappiness.
It’s whining and crying and yelling and red faces.
It’s hugs and cuddles and mispronounced “lub you’s.”
It’s the scariest, most beautiful, most obnoxious, most wonderful, never ending adventure.
Great post!
Great list, but if I’ve learned nothing else in my almost 6 years as a mother is that there is no 1 list and no one can ever really tell you what it’s truly like to be a mom because we all have different kids to parent. I’m amazed at how different my two girls are, even though they look so alike. I feel for the woman who feels lied to, but I also feel like no one told me. Because they couldn’t.
Wendy recently posted..Welcomed into the family of God
I think I shall blog about this very topic… thanks for the inspiration, Jill!
P.S. See you in a few weeks! :)
Love this! Motherhood is hearing, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, MOMMY…..” while making dinner then when you turn around in irritation and say, “What?!” She says, “I wuve you!” Motherhood is watching a little piece of yourself walk away everyday to go to his “work”…which is school. Motherhood is recognizing a look you give to people when they say something stupid, in your child’s face and thinking, “Wow, he is just like me.”
It is the hardest, most rewarding job I have ever done.
Jessica recently posted..Sphinctersayswhat
Thanks for this…I am now crying at work :)
Motherhood is sitting with your kids in the hospital for weeks at a time and only complaining on confessional because you have to vent somewhere when you haven’t really slept in 10 days…Motherhood is putting a diaper on an 11 month old that doesn’t know the meaning of stay still…Motherhood is tolerating the tantrums, screaming, biting, and clawing from trying to rinse shampoo out of a kids hair…he should have used different shampoo…Motherhood is surviving and hoping that God allows you the grace to do this with peace the rest of your days.
Megan recently posted..Day ELEVEN- Becoming best friends with God
Hmm. I thought motherhood was being asked why dad is always the hero and never the bad guy. Or why they jump when I say go instead of their usual meandering about when mom says it.
Of course motherhood is also listening to complaints that I don’t do xyz like mom does it and of course when they are hurt they prefer her to me. Use to think that it was lack of boobs but maybe it is more than that. ;)
Jack recently posted..What Do You Call Your Blog
Motherhood is knowing that at age 90 and possibly on your deathbed being called Mummy and being asked for a hug!
Yup motherhood is forever! If you come to terms with this from the beginning then you can live with the rest
Gayletrini recently posted..Lets talk about sex
Motherhood is rockin’ a pair of “Mom” jeans while you run to the store at midnight ’cause your child “forgot” something they needed for school 1st thing in the morning. Motherhood is lecturing your 10 yo on the proper age for dating while privately gloating that someone “likes” them. Motherhood is filtering the people who lecture you on how they think you should raise your child (it may take a village, but come on now)…Motherhood should be a paid occupation…
Motherhood is…
magically turning into a mother bear when you least expect it.
not being afraid or getting sick at the sight of vomit.
falling in love every day.
never knowing what it’s like to sleep in again!
Great post!
In spite of all the poop and vomit, the amount of love I feel for sleeping in, and my affection for my little feet, this post made my ovaries dance. Thanks for giving a realistic view of motherhood.
Kay recently posted..Mammal Mondays- Sweet Gracey
Motherhood is saying “when is your daddy gonna be home” 1,000 times during the day because I haven’t showered and am covered in baby poop, spit up, drool, food and who knows what else…but then not wanting to hand him over when daddy walks in the door because I want just 5 more minutes…no just 10 more minutes….no just like 2 more hours of snuggling…..he can have him tomorrow!
This post, and all the comments, are oh-so-true! The true meaning of motherhood is just so all encompassing that it’s hard to capture in words. Despite everything though, motherhood completes me. And makes me want to be a better person so that my son has a good role model for when he’s a parent.
Gigi recently posted..Dear God – its only 7-45 pm Hes lucky I like him
so true. Being a mam is the most challenging thing I have ever done but also the most rewarding. I never thought I would feel this much love for anyone x
i so wholey agree with you on ALL of what you wrote it is the most exhausting of jobs that is never done yet you’d never give it up, okay sometimes (most of the time) there is not a day that goes by where you wish that you never had them as they do fill up your heart even break it but they are still yours and worthy every thing in life (well to me anyway) as am sure most mum’s will agree
motherhood is having a reason for every single thing i do that has very little to do with me. motherhood is LOVE. didn’t know how much I could love one person, stare at one little person – before motherhood. it’s good days, bad days and even on the worst days I’d give my life for you days.
cam recently posted..No Passport Needed… This Year
Motherhood is worryhood foreverhood.
It is a 24-7 job that you dislike most days that never ever ends. Enjoy life with them when they are little, this is the easiest most enjoyable part of being a parent. It’s when they get older and you have no control that they truly break you down.
Motherhood is fishing a rubber duckie from a toilet full of pee.
Motherhood is never getting a full ice cream cone.
Motherhood is picking up toys just to pick up the same pile 10 minutes later.
C @ Kid Things recently posted..Party Every Day
Motherhood is the best thing that ever happened into my life.
Motherhood is my favorite mistake that I’d want to repeat over and over again.
Motherhood is looking at your children’s eyes and see all the beautiful things.
Motherhood taught me to appreciate health and life and money.
Motherhood taught me how to love unconditionally.
Motherhood makes me respect all the mother in world especially my own mom.
but!
Motherhood makes me insane sometimes..
but I’d rather have those times because I simply love my life with them! :)
You make a very well explanation of what motherhood is, Jill!
mommy gem recently posted..The Drunken Master
Motherhood is all consuming,totally blissful and the most glorious state to be in . Absorb every moment and save it in your memory .I would have filled the house with children only my husband had other ideas! Men climb mountains or sail around the globe singlehanded. Women give birth !
This is a great list and describes everything so well. Motherhood is having an automatic alarm clock go off, even on the weekends. Motherhood is an indescribable amount of love and affection.
A Mommy in the City recently posted..Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower
Motherhood is:
worrying everytime your phone rings because your teenager just got her own car
praying everyday that your teenagers make the right decisions
beaming with pride when they perform in the school musical
paying for prom and homecoming and senior pictures……
driving them to look for a job
AND
wondering why you every wanted them to grow up!
I miss my babies but I love it when my 17 year old daughter puts her head on my shoulder and says “I love you, Mommy”. Those words still make it all worthwhile!
Love this and it is so true in so many ways! One of the best parts about being a Mom however, is yet to come for many of you and that is becoming Grandma!! It’s God’s special reward for all of us who make it through motherhood and it is the sweetest!!
Motherhood is inserting a tampon in your teenage daughter’s vagina for the first time, right before she has to take the camp swimming test.
Unvarnished Mom recently posted..Don’t Let it Go to Your Head
Lol, my husband walks around covering his ears and calls it a cootie house because we talk about Everything very openly… how to insert tampons, bras, periods, boys. We have 4 teenage girls and not one is afraid to ask a question!
So wonderful, Jill. xo
Motherhood is remembering how incredible your life was before kids yet never ever wanting that life back.
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This post is truly a gem! I wanted to have 5 kids b/c my Mama made it look so easy. Now I know that 3 is a perfect number. So glad that I now fully appreciate my Mama and wish that she was still alive that I could tell her. I love almost everything about being a mom but 3 kids in diapers could really lead a mommy to drink. How much poop can 1 mom handle? Glad that 2 of them have graduated. 1 more to go.
Autherine@BoysRising recently posted..Boys of Summer- 10 Activities to Keep Your Super Hero Happy This Summer
Motherhood is just so, so wonderfully hard and rewarding.
And the one about the car? My husband never understands why my car is so filthy.
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Sigh, it has been one of those days. So all this was true. But there was no wonderful laughter tonight. I was really down. Then…
My oldest ran out of her room after bedtime and I almost lost it. She said she needed me. I went up and before I could reprimand her she told me that I was the best mom and that she knew tomorrow would be better. She said she would help. She gave me a bear hug. She melted my heart again.
Thank you for another reminder of why this is the hardest and best job out there.
For me, motherhood is almost everything.
Brittany {Mommy Words} recently posted..Battle for the First Bite
Motherhood is giving 110% of yourself and always wondering if it is enough.
Motherhood is peeking in on your children as they sleep and wondering how they got so big.
Motherhood allowing your kids the chance to prove they’re “responsible enough” to go with their friends without a grown -up and holding your breath until they get home.
Kristin_OPC recently posted..If My Life Were A Reality Show
Motherhood is having endless patience :)
Being a mom to me right now to me is knowing that I’m doing the right thing by asking for his moms number to confirm when my 14 year old daughter asks to go to the movies “with a friend.”
Perfect. Nothing else to add.
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Jill, I think this is one of the best pieces you have written. Every singel point is so true…in a real, everyday, how it really is kind of way! This should be the forward to one of those ‘What to expect..” books!!
Kelly recently posted..Scavenger Hunt Bounty Could Be Yours!
oh i love this Jill!
Motherhood is three little faces breathing on you before you even open your eyes.
Motherhood is wondering if your nanny could do a better job raising your children.
Motherhood is feeling more joy and more anger than you thought yourself capable of. often within five minutes of each other.
Motherhood is finally getting the kids to bed after hours of screaming and fighting, sitting down to watching the news, being reminded of the children around the world who will never be as lucky as yours.
Motherhood is wishing you could love and save every child while knowing you barely have energy for your own.
Motherhood is checking on three sleeping children, tears in your eyes, knowing tomorrow we do it all again.
wendy recently posted..Guest Posting “Momday” at The Mother Geek
Wendy..your last line brought tears to my eyes…10 days ago my friend said goodnight to her 8 year old daughter for the last time….one of the most precious parts of motherhood is that we do get to do it all over again tomorrow…there are no more tomorrows for my friend and her daughter (her daugther had an incurable brain tumor).
oh my goodness. my thoughts and prayers to her. i will keep that in my mind today.
wendy recently posted..Guest Posting “Momday” at The Mother Geek
This struck a chord with me too as my friends said goodbye to their 3yr old boy last thursday, He had Leukemia and fought hard for over a year. They are left with only memories. It certainly brings it home to you when it happens to someone you know…. I will never compalin about my kids again, I am so blessed to have them.
Motherhood is discovering sides of yourself you never knew existed.
Motherhood is having a house and yard FULL of screaming and laughing kids (ours + half the neighborhood…last night)…not being able to keep the food coming fast enough, shaking my head in disbelief at the amount of mess they are creating with the water balloon fight (that hubby started!!!) and wondering when “it will all end it tears”….childhood is the most amazing phase of ones life….what a priviledge as a mother to be such an integral part of someones childhood…the good, the bad and the ugly….
Don’t think I’ve ever visited your blog before today. I think you have captured many of the feelings of motherhood.
….Although no one ever warns the pregnant woman that her feet might grow in size. Ridiculous…
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Its looking at your child(ren) and wanting to cry because 1- you never knew you could love anyone so much you feel like your heart might burst, and 2- the realization that the people you love this much are making you crazy…
Complaining bitterly every time you have to change the crib sheet and then crying uncontrollably when they outgrow the crib.
Great post, very true!!! There were so many things about being a mom that surprised me–and still do!
Christina Simon recently posted..Im guest blogging today at The Hip Chicks Guide To PMS- Pregnancy & Babies!
Motherhood is –
Sharing the last of your food when you haven’t eaten all day but your child asks for some; reversing stance on something you thought you could never be convinced differently about; sneaking tequila before noon then trying to account for your overly silly mood (which they love, by the way!); knowing that “because I said so” “I’m the adult, you’re the child” or “Do as I say, not as I do” aren’t logical answers to virtually anything (even though they’re usually the first thing to pop in our minds); knowing that life without them would allow you to pee and shower in peace (like Jill’s original post says) but you wouldn’t trade washing your butt in front of them for a life without them. Motherhood is driving to a birthday party two hours away and they’ve all fallen asleep and you realize you have to pee but can’t pull over because there’s no shoulder, traffic is not moving, but there are diapers.
Arnebya recently posted..The Change
You got it right on…love this post!
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Jill, you are just SO good at this. One of my favorite posts, especially the not being able to wallow in your own misery. Lord, ain’t that the truth. And the sleep – the sleep! – it really all comes down to that, doesn’t it?
I can’t believe you can see inside my mind, my home, my life! Everything you said has happened, a million times! Thanks for your candor, humor, and honesty. I DO love it all – from “Mommy Monster”.
Motherhood is a VERB!
I think you described it perfectly, love this post! You captured just the right amount of “pulling out your hair” moments with the “melt your heart” moments.
TornadoTwos recently posted..If you ever watch my kids- you should know
How true these all are.
Motherhood is…
Trying to put your baby to sleep for hours so you can do things, then only wanting to stare at them once they fall asleep.
Wishing you could have personal space again.
Never eating a hot meal.
MomEinstein recently posted..How to Dine Out with a Baby
Motherhood is catching vomit in your bare hands, even when other people’s vomit makes you vomit.
It’s also a 16 year old who will still share a blanket on the couch with you while watching a movie you’ve both seen five times.
Motherhood is being able to look at another little person and feel like your heart is going to explode. Sometimes from love, sometimes not…
i’m not a mommy but i am a wife.
i know being a wife to a grown up 2 year old (at times) is HARD.
i don’t know if i could write all this and be so nice.
you wrote this so nice and neat.
mine would have curse words for real.
that vomit phrase stuff scares me……still
So true.
I so needed it today. Thank you.
Motherhood to me is constant interruption, nothing getting done and all the noise all.day.long, yet every morning when I wake up, first thing I want to do is to wake up the kids and look at their smiley faces.
Honestly, Jill, you do these so well. And somehow you manage to add or expound further on the original notions.
I can’t get over how motherhood has changed every single facet of my life. Some for the best, some not.
Goddamn, I’d love to see a movie in the theater though.
a good babysitter is worth every penny!
I wrote that , then tried to remember the last time I actually could get a babysitter or watched a movie that wasn’t animated? Umm , let’s just be thankful for HBO ( Netflicks doesn’t exist here , waaah!)
O my God! I’m so choked up after reading that! So true! However, I’m sitting here trying to keep my motherly composure in front of other Mommies and kids at this moonbounce place. Wish I were at some fancy lunch date or at the spa getting a massage…but I’m here, relishing in my motherhood, and I know other moms can’t do this type of thing during the day. I love hanging out with them…to a point. When I reach that point, I HIT THE CONFESSIONAL!! :) Your post made my day, as well as gave me another type of reality check. THANK YOU
Motherhood is all about doing what was formerly deemed impossible. By me.
I was never going to go crazy if my kid were stuck on the bus.
I wasn’t going to fart burp or make crude noises at the table or anywhere else ‘public’.
I wasn’t going to let my child misbehave in public.
I wasn’t going to let my child pick their own clothing.
I wasn’t going to let them eat ‘kid’ food.
In short, my children have taught me to do the impossible. Rejoicing.
Motherhood is getting to be a kid all over again. How else would I have recently discovered the joy of a waterside?
Since becoming a mother I have never felt more beautiful, confident, responsible, crazy, happy, fulfilled, joy ,tired, frustration, like my brain was a car running on fumes, like i’ll never see my stomach flat again, like I just don’t care what others think, I KNOW WHO I AM! I am ” mumma” to three beautiful little girls that carry my heart in thier hands and the souls of thier ancestors in thier eyes. I see my husband, mother, mother-in-law, sister and myself in each of them. They are my family and my everything. And honestly I’ve never loved being a woman more than now!
What a fantastically honest post. I wrote one like this a while back! Motherhood to me is Cheerios and Peanut butter in my hair, Sloppy kisses and getting sneezed on often :P LOL!
Motherhood is holding your sick child in your arms, praying and wishing, you could be sick instead of your child and crying over the fact that there is nothing more you can do to make them feel any better.
Motherhood is wanting them to get older so they can do things on their own, and stop bugging you, but at the same time wanting them to stay adorably small and needing you. At least once every day I want to freeze time and at least once I want to speed it up. I try to enjoy it as much as I can though, because I know as some point they WILL be gone and I will be so sad.
I absolutely love this post, Jill.
awesomeness Jill!
LOVE this!
Great list! Motherhood is cherishing the small moments in life; a kiss on the cheek, hearing ‘I love you’, a smile that can lift you up, a hug that you never want to end and the overwhelming feeling watching your child learn something for the very first time.
Motherhood to me (so far, with an 8 month old DD) is….
All of the things you mentioned in your original post.. PLUS
Never ending dishes.
Never ending patience.
Walking back and forth and back and forth until your baby falls asleep.
Humming the songs to every show on Tree House TV even when you (finally) get a night out with your pals.
Never fully “letting loose” because you actually care about how you will feel the next morning.
Teaching a man how to be an equal partner (sometimes, yes, they do need to be taught).
Listening to ENDLESS advice from every other mother on the planet, and filtering what you need and don’t need while politely nodding.
Feelings shitty about your stomach 50% of the time and 50% of the time accepting it by telling yourself “that was my baby’s home”.
Not talking to your friends who still party and struggling to find new friends who are productive and positive influences.
Being excited to buy all sorts of new things for your baby and feeling guilty for buying yourself one outfit.
Looking forward to the future but still missing the past (where the peace and quiet resides).
Being excited about poops after 3 days of constipation. (you & the babies)
Getting rid of pets if your kid is allergic.
Making sacrifices every day so that your child can benefit.
Letting go of parts of the old YOU, and embracing the new you.
Having motivation to go outside and play.
Wanting to share the joys with everyone around you (even though no one else really cares.)
Being ditched by your friends because they don’t think you can leave the house (and even if you can’t, an invitation would be nice!!)
Keeping your kid up late because that’s when they’re the snuggliest.
Passing up tickets to your favourite concert so you can afford to take your kid to see Toopy and Binoo live.
WONDERFUL and EXHAUSTING and WORTH EVERY MOMENT.
How very true!
This is why you are Scary Mommy. This is just perfect.
See, motherhood has the perks of kids and their funny antics (minus the poop). What people should really be better informed about, is how much pregnancy and labour can suck. :p
Until I got pregnant, I had no reason to find out things like – I’m going to pee and poop myself giving birth. EPISIOTOMIES. I mean, someone going with scissors (or a scalpel) at your crotch? Best birth control ever. A nurse is going to spray my crotch with water when I pee after I give birth??? Yeah, no wonder it looks so gloriously easy on television. I think if word got out, the species would be doomed. Also, regarding pregnancy: I did not know it was possible to double in size overnight. (Thank you little girl. Who currently looks like a heirloom tomato according to babycenter).
At least there’s a reward afterwards. And my partner has a lot of experience with poop from our very spiteful dog.
Motherhood is an unexpected rush,
a wave of emotions that can turn on a dime.
Motherhood is an adventure
like climbing without a rope.
Motherhood makes me laugh, cry, and roll my eyes,
all in the matter of two minutes.
Motherhood was totally unexpected for me,
but the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Motherhood has taught me the true definition of Love and Fear.
Motherhood brings opportunities to make new friends (ones you didn’t realize you needed until you found them). The new friends are in the exact life stage that you are living b/c their children are friends with your children and all of the crazy things that go on during the day are shared by both families as the children come home and leak all of the info….and then we laugh together…because it becomes very clear which home the new swear of the day came from.
All of this is so true! Right now motherhood is waiting for every kid to go to camp at the same time (victory!) and then choking back tears because one called home with a bad case of homesickness. My kids are so like the U2 song lyrics — I can’t live with or without them.
Brilliant. Truly brilliant. I’m telling everyone about you…
xx
Motherhood is a 24 hours duty… nice post!
I wandered over to your website from twitter, not quite sure what to expect and I have now laughed (OUT LOUD) and teared up at my desk at work…thank God everyone here is a parent…
Motherhood to me is knowing I am not perfect; but to my two boys I am the world and that means I need to try harder every day.
Motherhood is realizing that everything you say/do/gossip about is being filtered by smaller ears, its my job to raise them to view the world in a good way and find the need to change what they don’t like.
Motherhood is endless questions, researching the questions you can’t answer and embracing a level of honesty you didn’t realize you had. Because you never want to lead them astray.
Motherhood is loving the little ways you embarass them; singing/dancing in the mall; because you look back fondly on all the dorky things your mom did (see above), and appreciate her so much more now.
one more…Motherhood is thinking your children are perfect and everyone elses are weird…
My oldest son asked me the other day if being a parent was worth it…I told him it was the best thing I ever did and the hardest thing. But I wouldn’t trade a moment for anything.
“Motherhood is knowing, just from the touch of a forehead, almost exactly what your child’s temperature is.” This is such a weird skill, yet I have TOTALLY mastered it after having a kid.
Motherhood – it’s the best job I never dreamed of!
Motherhood is have all the virtues I’ve never had. Motherhood makes my mother laugh because she said karma always comes.
Motherhood is…
Getting called 156,456,789,325 times in a day, and then not at all.
Holding, and bathing, and feeding, and soothing, and disciplining,. and dressing, and explaining, and shopping, and driving, and hugging, and chaperoning…and then letting go.
Is realizing just be patient for a few years, and then it will all start again. The calls, the questions, the late night crying. Only then its your kids about your grandkids, or their broken hearts.
At least thats what my Mom told me.
Motherhood is ever-changing. Most of you moms look like you have young ones. I have teenage boys- 19 and 13. The hardest thing for me was the day I realized my children have a life I know nothing about and that’s the way it’s supposed to be. I am shifting from the controller to the observer- watching for when I am needed, waiting to let them make decisions and mistakes. It was scary but now it is very fulfilling. I am seeing the seeds I have sown come to flower in the lives they are building. No, they don’t do everything way I would, but they are turning into amazing young adults. So chins up- sleeping on the floor next the bed, working with those “other” parents at school, reading the same book 149 times- it’s all worth it.
You could substitute “Fatherhood” or even better ‘Parenthood” (for Motherhood) for any of the quotes!
It’s a tiny sweaty little hand slipping perfectly into yours as you stroll along the street worrying about bills etc and you look down into the most beautiful eyes and a beautiful smile and the worries disappear for now. It’s reading the same story every night for 8 months. It’s singing the same silly songs over and over. It’s covering your walls with a million works of art that mostly consist of a few lines. It’s a little warm body sneaking into bed beside you in the middle of the night and falling asleep in the crook of your arm and waking up the next morning with a kick in the ribs and a bare backside parked right beside your face! It’s dancing like idiots around the kitchen at a moments notice. It’s your heart breaking when you hear “I hate you mammy” because you’re trying to teach them right from wrong. It’s two minutes later when they come crying into the room and say sorry and tell you how much they love you and then tell you that seeing as you’re so good they’ll let you buy them an ice-cream. It’s being there to dish out the cuddles after every fight they’ve had. It’s the magic in the kisses that heal the cuts. It’s the butterfly kisses before bedtime. It’s blowing raspberries on their tummies and even though it drives you crazy having it done to you. It’s listening to them starting to learn an instrument and telling them they sound marvellous even though you don’t think your ears will ever recover from the assault! It’s framing their first school report. It’s rooting through a drawer for something and finding the envelope with their first curl in and sitting on the floor smelling it and feeling it and getting all nostalgic. It’s being their best friend unconditionally. I love my babies (even though one of them is 20 he’s still my baby!)
sometimes, motherhood is living through all mentioned above, and then having to be strong enough to see your daughter at the morgue, just to make it real, then planning her funeral instead of her wedding. And then, somehow, finding a way to honor her life, without losing your mind.
Oh Diane! Your comment brought instant tears to my eyes. My heart goes out to you. I will say prayers for your healing.
Ah Diane. My heart goes out to you too. What a terrible heartbreak to have to go through. I hope you have lots of people to support you through this and to keep you strong. You can honour your daughter every day of your life by being the person she knew and loved. For what it’s worth, sending hugs your way.
Diane,
My heart breaks for you. I thank you for reminding us in the midst of your pain what gifts our children are. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
the most true statement … Having children from 21 to 10..there is total peace when everyone is asleep and safe and one can sleep for a night. And it’s totally unconditional love no matter how much they screw up
Wow, such a great statement and pretty much all true for me!
For me motherhood is the most tiring, hardest, unforgiving thing that I’ve ever done, but it’s also the most rewarding. Even though I barely have a chance to savor that reward I love my son more than anything and I can’t imagine a world without him!
Motherhood to me is feeling tired and frustrated that they just won’t do as they are asked or they are fighting or asking a million questions that I am totally going to Google cos now i want to know the answer too!! Then just as I am ready to book that one way trip to the bahamas for myself suddenly I am through the day, they are fed, bathed and in clean pyjamas and all warm and snuggly in my lap smelling of soap and good health with their little teeth shining as they smile cheekily and ask for “just one more story K Mummy?” and although I am exhausted and the house STILL looks like a bomb has gone off in it (despite the fact i have been cleaning ALL day) I give in (as they knew i would) and we head off into the lands of fairies and dragons and princes together. Motherhood is hearing my little 4 yr old boy telling me all about how he is going to ask his uncle to build a rocket ship so they can visit their Pop in Heaven (of course they will land on the moon so they can come back to mummy). Motherhood is being worried and frightened by a fall or a fever and wishing it was me instead. Motherhood is wanting to shake another womans child for pushing my precious kids… Motherhood is wanting to shake my precious kids for pushing another child. Motherhood is those little arms that cling around my neck when they are frightened or hurt and no-one but mummy will do.
Forgot to add… Motherhood is trying your best as a single mum to be there for your boy only to be told as you take him to the park for a game of footy to “go sit on the ‘Lady Bench’ Mum, Girls don’t play football” :)
That is one of the funniest and true things I’ve ever read!!! My favourites are the car so filthy you’re embarrassed to let your husband see it (check) and never getting to shower or pee in peace (double check). Thanks for making me smile, its been one of those days! xx
I’m not the only person in the world who gave up on relaxt showering and peeing when she became a mum…What a relief!!!
Love this blog, can relate to most posts even though the “baby” is 24. Especially relate to post on “How To Write A Book”, that’s me to a tee.
Being a mom means all of what everyone else wrote on here but also being driven to the edge of insanity by a stubborn, hard headed yet beautiful and smart 24 year old who’s adventures in dating include a mother’s worst nightmare. Last summer because of this I took up jewelry making instead of other more interesting vices and named the collection after the n’er do well hope-never-in-hell-future-son-in-law to be: The B. Nolden Collection!
Being a mom means seeing the word “Mommie” on same 24 yr. old’s speed dial list and feeling secretly happy.
jhan recently posted..Sippin’ On…Sunshine
OMG! I have just found heard about Scary Mommy, logged in and you made me cry! Such inspiring words and so so true. Thank you so much for making such a wonderful website – I’ll be recommending it to all my friends with kids or soon to be mums.
Keep up the great work and thank you for your words of wisdom Ladies!
Motherhood is using the cleansing breaths you learned in lamaze to keep yourself from exploding.
Motherhood is those beautiful moments when out of the blue your child hugs your neck and says “I love you Mommy.’
Motherhood is hearing your 8 year old daughter say “I was really proud of myself today.” And then listening to her explain every detail!