It’s almost 8:00 p.m. My daughter just went to bed. There’s dog hair on my pants from playing in the backyard. There’s some marinara sauce on my shirt and a big knot in my hair from the windy weather. Now, it’s time to do laundry and a little work. Of course, being a parent is a joy. However, now that I have a daughter and one on the way, I’m starting to realize what I took for granted before parenthood.
Grooming
I enjoy fashion and try to blow dry my hair once a week. I keep some mascara and concealer in my car. Sometimes, when we get to a certain destination, I pull into a parking spot and spend a minute putting on makeup. However, I no longer peruse my closet in selection of a great outfit. In addition, most of the time, my hair goes into a ponytail. Then, of course, are the showers. Often times, they are less than a few minutes.
Driving in the Car by Myself
Since my daughter started preschool, I really enjoy the car ride home. I don’t listen to children’s music or crying. Although I’m having another baby soon, I appreciate these few months of alone time in the car.
Running Errands
I never thought it could take me 15 minutes to get the mail with my toddler. She always wants to look at pinecones and say hi to the neighbors. In addition, she likes to help hold the mail. Often times, the mail is dropped several times before we walk back across the street. It’s endearing, really. However, I have grown to love drive through coffee places and dropping the mail off in my car at the post office. Additionally, I appreciate one-stop shopping. The less I have to get my toddler in and out of the car, the better.
Sleeping
With the impending arrival of my son, I’m wondering when I’m going to get to sleep in. Will it be four or five more years? At least, my daughter sleeps well at night. Although, sometimes in the middle of the day, I wish I could crawl into bed and take a nap. It’s just wishful thinking.
Being Spontaneous
My husband and I still go out on the occasional date night. However, now we have to find someone to watch my daughter. It’s simply not the same as suddenly saying, “Hey let’s go out to dinner.”
Having Little Luxuries
I love getting a pedicure. I enjoy having cable. However, those days are gone. Now, we don’t go out to dinner very frequently and things like pedicures are reserved for birthday gifts. We’ve learned to live a simpler life. In some ways, it’s helped us be more thankful for what we really do have. Still, I do miss the little luxuries.
Parenting is a challenging but rewarding experience! I can’t wait to see what the teenage years are like.
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