STM(+) What you love most about being a mom

Dcwtada · March 2017

After sufficiently scarring most FTMs with some delivery and recovery experiences I thought we could share the big/little things and changes we love about being Moms

plumpous · March 2017

How incredible it is to witness a person developing. And how funny it is! We were laughing so hard last night. DD and cat crawled into the laundry basket and DD offered cat different socks to smell.
Also kids have so much pure joy. She was screaming from excitement about seeing a bench. Yeah, just a bench in the courtyard.

Dcwtada · March 2017

I was surprised at how quickly and naturally I adjusted to parenting. Even things I hadn't enjoyed before like the repetition of entertaining a baby/toddler became a second nature I loved. To see a smile or hear a giggle is the most amazing moment, and you get to have so many of those moments everyday!!

Things I criticized or disliked about myself in regards to appereance, mannerisms or personality i began to love when I saw them in my children. I saw my weird eye and chin shape become beautiful in my daughter and began to appreciate my personality that I saw reflected in my son. Your love of them makes you see the world in a whole new way.

And finally my favorite part of the day (and as someone who is not a morning person this is saying something) is listening to my daughter and now son wake up. Ever since my daughter was 6 months old she would wake up by talking to herself. Now every morning I get to hear her and my son chatting (mostly in jibberish) as they wake up. Sometimes me and DH snuggle in the morning and just listen to their talk, laughs and singing.

ETA - part of my comment kept getting cut-off. The bump doesn't like emoticons apparently

LuLiLaEv · March 2017

I love the sweet newborn smell, the passed out milk drunk coma, when they recognize you and smile at you for the first time, having a little buddy to go everywhere with you and a little baby doll to dress up, watching them develop their personalities and take in and learn all these new things. I have never been so proud of someone before.

DD is big enough now that she grabs onto my hand to hold it, it's so sweet hearing them call you 'mama', having them give you a kiss and hug, when they run to you and ask you to pick them up, she's so funny and smart and we're constantly laughing at things she's doing or saying and are so surprised by how smart she is and her memory and how she picks up on little things.

I could go on and on and I love this idea! Because being a mama is the best. Like someone said in the other thread, even if your pregnancy/delivery/recovery sucks, you forget all about it and you would go through it all over again (obviously...#2 here) for the tiny human in your arms.

nktrodden826 · March 2017

Everything. The unconditional love. Seeing their personalities develop. Watching them learn. Babies are so smart and pickup on things so quickly that it is just amazing to witness. Every single smile or giggle is just so heart warming and uplifting especially when you've had a hard day- it makes it all worth it. I don't remember life before being a mother, it was what I was meant to do, it's so fulfilling and there is nothing like having a child that will truly show you how boundless love is.

tripledaggerWed95976 · March 2017

The smiles. Definitely the smiles. When you walk into the room and their whole face lights up it is the most amazing and rewarding feeling.

Seeing them grow and start to hit their milestones. Every new thing they start to do (no matter how little it is) is the most amazing, exciting thing ever. My son recently started holding his own sippy cup, and it was like the most magical thing ever haha. I must've taken 100 pictures of him holding that cup.

Seeing how it changed me is also one of my favorite parts of being a mom. That I could be so selfless.. That even when I'm beyond exhausted that I could reach down inside myself, and not only take care of myself but take care of this tiny human too. I never realized my heart could open up like this, and even on the hardest, worst days this little person can absolutely light up my life in every way

and like @plumpous said, the joy that children exude is simply amazing. Seeing my son's face absolutely light up is the sweetest thing I think I've ever seen.

kat0607 · March 2017

I am a FTM and this thread is making me cry! I've been so nervous about everything and taking care of a newborn, but I rarely stop to think that even though it will take some getting used to, everything will become second nature. All you hear are horror stories about kids and how other people will criticize your parenting, but it's so awesome to read these and look forward to the small milestones and even the daily mundane things that become exciting (like seeing a park bench).

lamork · March 2017

It is so rewarding to be someone's hero and whole world. My daughter wants to do EVERYTHING with me and while some days it can be exhausting, most days it is so gratifying to know that I mean so much to this little person.

As others said watching them learn and experience things for the first time is amazing and can definitely change your perspective on life and remind you not to take the little things for granted.

Finally I love how proud I constantly feel about my daughter and how we are raising her. Sure there are tantrums and moments where she tries her hardest to mortify us, but then when she says please, thank you, excuse me, I love you, etc unprompted or sees me hurt/upset and asks if I'm okay and then gives me a kiss and asks if I am better and shows true compassion it is so rewarding. It is awesome knowing that what we show and teach her are sinking in and that even only being two years old she is already learning to care about and for other people and starting to put their needs/wants before her own (well sometimes anyways).

notachanski · March 2017

Oh my goodness, there are so many amazing things about being a mom! I loved watching my daughters develop their own personalities, so different from each other but both just so amazing and fun. They bring out the best qualities in me and make me strive to be better. There is nothing like coming home from a hard day at work to hear "I love you mama!" accompanied by a big hug. Its a cliche and everyone says it, but you really do feel like you have a heart living outside your buddy. The amount of love in my life is exponentially larger after having those babies. And even when are driving me crazy and being frustrating or not listening, they will say something silly or funny or ask for a "smooch" and they are instantly forgiven.

StacyH0507 · March 2017

The amount of love you feel for this little person when you first see them, everyone tells you about it but until it happens it knocks you off your feet. It is such an amazing feeling!

munchkinsmama · March 2017

One of the things I love most about being a Mama is finally feeling confident and comfortable in my life. Even on days when I have no idea how we will make it to bed time, I know this is my place in the world. Our little home filled with babies is all I need, watching DH become a dad and us working together to raise happy kids is truly the best feeling in the world. Not to mention the sloppy kisses and being able to make all their worries go away with a hug and a kiss.

supermom83 · March 2017

So many things, too many to even list! But I will say that the thing that stood out to me when I read the question was that my children love me and I love them back with an unconditional, unencumbered, and genuine depth that is hard to even put into words. To me, they represent all that is good in this world. They are innocent and eager, and I find endless joy in seeing them grow and do good for themselves and for others. Truly, raising kids is hard, but also so rewarding in ways I never even thought possible. I had never truly known how proud my heart could feel, and yet seeing them be kind and learn and help others makes my heart feel like it will explode with love. My kids are older, so I know I'm talking about slightly older kids here and glossing over the baby stage (which was also so full of wonderful things but it's been a while for me!) lol. Let me just say, 8 and 5 is such an awesome age.

I feel very lucky to be their mom and feel blessed beyond belief that I get to watch them grow into the wonderful people they are. When they tell me I am beautiful or that they love me, there is not an ounce of doubt in their voice. Their strong love and conviction makes me feel like I could do anything; that I am truly beautiful and truly loved, and so are they.

clio · March 2017

In addition to all the love, one thing I have truly appreciated about parenthood is how much it has changed me for the better. I have learned patience, time management, letting go of s**t that doesn't matter, appreciating life one day at a time, and the joy of putting someone else's needs before my own. Truly, what you give as a parent your children give back to you tenfold.

clio · March 2017

munchkinsmama said:

One of the things I love most about being a Mama is finally feeling confident and comfortable in my life. Even on days when I have no idea how we will make it to bed time, I know this is my place in the world. Our little home filled with babies is all I need, watching DH become a dad and us working together to raise happy kids is truly the best feeling in the world. Not to mention the sloppy kisses and being able to make all their worries go away with a hug and a kiss.

I love this so much!

nktrodden826 · March 2017

Mascara alert!

Everyone should watch this.. this circulates FB when I was pregnant 2 years ago and it's the best 4 minute video. The. Best.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=p27Hi8QoHoo

PurplePoppy424 · March 2017

For me, it's the sweet mommy scream followed by the running hugs and I missed yous I get after an especially awful day at work. The snuggles on the couch while we watch a movie or read books before bed. The small hand folding into mine when we're walking and are getting ready to cross a street. The You Are My Sunshine singing and I love you, mommy before she rolls over and goes to sleep. The smiles and laughs when we play her favorite game (hide and seek). And the dance parties. There are so many more good things. It's what makes all of the bad stuff worth it.

Dovahkiin_99 · March 2017

Thanks @Dcwtada for starting this thread. As a FTM I've had fears of wondering if I'm going to be a good mom; Sometimes I'm still dumbfounded that I will be responsible for raising a new human being. It's reassuring to know that caring for a child is something that comes naturally even if you've had no experience before. I can't wait to experience the love that most of you mentioned.

caribbeanmama-2 · March 2017

Awww the kisses, I love the kisses so so so so so much! My husband likes to remind me that when I was pregnant I was soooo worried that I wouldn't love the baby and how I couldn't imagine loving anyone as much or more than him (my husband). It is kind of clear ehem that baby is number 1 (sorry, not sorry husband lol). I got married 'late' (37) - so the difference in my life and lifestyle are so drastic compared to what I was used to for so long - but I can't imagine what it would have been like to miss out on this experience. For me, there is nothing more emotionally gratifying and the sense of connectedness and feeling grounded in life is hard to describe. (Don't get me wrong, I still miss summers in Italy and bottles of brunello - I'm not completely looney! This is just a different and gratifying experience/phase.)

@kat0607 don't be nervous or let us scare you - it's all for the greater good of morning snuggles and sloppy anytime kisses!!!!!

SpongeWorthy · March 2017

Opening this thread at work was a big mistake *cue the waterworks* Thank you guys for sharing your experiences. It's hard for me to imagine what life with a LO will be like. Hearing about the good parts is important, too. I just hope I get a LO to snuggle with at the end of all of this!

Dcwtada · March 2017

@Dovahkiin_99 I know exactly what you mean. The month or two before my 1st was born I began to panic, not over how to change a diaper or feeding or anything specific but honestly just what it was going to be like to have a baby: what would it be like to constantly care for someone, what if I didn't do a good job, what if I didn't like it, what if DH and I change, what if... that fear of the unknown and not quite being able to picture how my life would change scared me the most.

Granted there are always things that throw you for a loop but after all the fear from myself and people telling me how tough it was going to be I couldn't believe how natural and easy it was to adjust. I am only speaking from my experience I don't want to make generalizations but becoming a mom was a second nature I didn't even know I had. It really didn't feel like things changed - I felt the same, my relationship with DH felt the same, my life felt the same...I was just adding another wonderful person to it.

I was underwhelmed in a good way at the transition. Not saying life isn't a bit tougher and little things like making time for yourself and DH become more scheduled or rare but it was not this earth shattering change I was fearing.

ETA @SpongeWorthy I honestly have been thinking of you and your LO everyday!

LM1007 · March 2017

The best part of becoming a mother definitely is the unconditional and most heart warming love there is. Being able to watch them go from infants to little people with big personalities. Learning from and following you and how they incorporate their own style to it to. I love watching my son sleep, it's the sweetest thing. I love the cute dance moves he breaks out. The smiles and laughs, even the tears. Knowing this little human is part of you, and watching them prosper. I love when my son wakes up, he'll climb into our bed and snuggle with us. One of my favorite things is watching how much love, admiration, and selflessness flows in our home when my husband and son are playing or just simply relaxing together. I love the bond I share with my son, but I love witnessing their bond as well, and I can't wait to see the bond form between my son and his baby brother.

ladybray · March 2017

Yes to all of the above.

My favorite is when my DS (almost 2) does something completely unexpected! We went to a wedding and he was a dancing machine out of no where! The first night he said "love you" in return. When he memorized Llama Llama Red Pajama and insisted on kissing me when the Mama Llama kisses Llama Llama (he does this everytime now and it is my favorite book that has ever existed in the universe). They are such amazing surprises!

The fact that he can drive me crazy ALL DAY but I miss him when he goes to sleep.

mamadcb · March 2017

I knew I wanted to have kids but I never felt a sense of urgency about the timing. I was never "waiting" to be pregnant, even though I was 33 by the time I got pregnant with #1. Part of that was that I hadn't met the man I wanted to have kids with. When I eventually did, he had a vasectomy reversal that was effective far sooner than we expected, so even though we had taken that step to conceive I hadn't felt anxious yet about it not happening.

All of that to say: I never felt like I was waiting to have a child, but when I held that little sleeping boy in my arms in those first weeks I knew that I had waited my entire life to be a mom.

I totally understand that some women don't want to have kids and others feel differently about it when they do, but I had no idea that I would feel an entirely different sense of purpose and meaning thanks to that little guy, and soon this one too.

MrsLa3 · March 2017

My absolute favorite thing, is seeing the moment my kids share together. They love each other unconditionally, and are best friends.

michelle04us · March 2017

As a mom of a pre-teen (almost teen) who is ADHD & ODD I really didn't think I would get through the childhood years. However for every big thing that happened that had me crying sometimes a small thing would happen that meant so much more. And now Im so proud of how far he's come in the 4 years since his diagnosis. He doesn't use it to get things or get treated special at school. He tries his hardest to control what he can. I realize that if we hadn't had that struggling then he wouldn't be the great kid he is now. It also helped me learn the patience I'm going to need with 4 boys in my house lol.

Cynth0104 · March 2017

The random I Love You's and kisses. The smiles and laughs when he was a baby. Knowing he recognized me and DH. Watching his personality develop (he is almost 5).

chiquita928 · March 2017

You all have summed up so much of it so well.

When I first got pregnant with DS, I was terrified, and totally not sure if I was meant to be a mom. My mother's response when I told her was, "You're going to have so much fun!" It was so true. I had only thought about how my life would be changed, without realizing how awesome some of those changes would be.

The one thing I didn't see (sorry if I missed it behind all the tears), was how much fun it is to watch your child experience things. I love how amazed he was the first time we went to the aquarium, and how he reacted to the beach. When you become a parent, you get to re-experience so many things, through the eyes of your child, and it's soooo much fun!

BabyBump2 · March 2017

The moment I get home from working and my son runs up to me and won't let me go. Or being so needed I can never walk out the door.

Some funny things...them walking like little drunk people or their trying to talk. Gets me every single time

postywiththemosty · March 2017

chiquita928 said:

You all have summed up so much of it so well.

When I first got pregnant with DS, I was terrified, and totally not sure if I was meant to be a mom. My mother's response when I told her was, "You're going to have so much fun!" It was so true. I had only thought about how my life would be changed, without realizing how awesome some of those changes would be.

The one thing I didn't see (sorry if I missed it behind all the tears), was how much fun it is to watch your child experience things. I love how amazed he was the first time we went to the aquarium, and how he reacted to the beach. When you become a parent, you get to re-experience so many things, through the eyes of your child, and it's soooo much fun!

This is the part I'm looking forward to so much! I want to experience the world through their eyes! We get so jaded after a while with life's little miracles that I can't wait to experience it in an entirely different way with my child.

chiquita928 · March 2017

@maybeitsmadeline It really is one of the best things! I couldn't believe how much I could enjoy something I would normally have NO interest in, too! Like, we went to the Volvo Museum in Sweden this past summer, which would normally make me want to fall asleep, but DS loved the cars so much, that I had a blast! And DS has his first t-ball game soon. Ordinarily, I would pay someone off to not make me sit through some kids' sporting event, but I can't wait to see! He laughs so much every time he runs or hits the ball, I just love it!

ljd2010 · March 2017

It never ceases to amaze me that I've created this little person who is growing up into the sweetest little boy with his own personality and quirks. I love discovering our little similarities (we both do the same pitch of inhalation before we sneeze), and like others have said, I love the wonderment with which he views the world. I also love that I never really thought I'd get to this point. I didn't feel a real bond when I was pregnant, and I didn't experience the instant burst of love others talk about when I held my son for the first time. Slowly but surely, our bond grew, and now he's just the most incredible little boy who I adore.

Also, I don't think there's a sweeter sound than your child's laughter.

PS @MrsLa3 I'm nervous about how my son will react to a new baby, and your post made me so happy.

mamadcb · March 2017

@chiquita928 We just took DS (14 mo) to the beach for the first time last week and it was SO MUCH FUN to see him experience the wind and sand and birds for the first time. We got as much joy out of his fun as he did. Look at that gleeful smile!

virginiaunicorn11 · March 2017

Love this thread! @Clio said it so well. In addition to the overwhelming love and joy I get from my son (it is such a cliche that I don't think people can understand it until they experience it - or at least I couldn't)...I love the changes in ME. As Clio said, I'm a more confident person. I know my role in life and what is and isn't important.

I also feel a connection to the world in a deeper and different way. It's like being admitted to a secret club that I didn't know existed - Parents. It enables you to instantly and immediately connect with other parents on such a deep level. My job is about relationships and networking, and I love this element. Being a parent just makes you HUMAN in a profound way. I feel like a grown up rather than an imposter. (Though I also know that all the grown ups are mostly faking it, too

)

dancegurl1118 · March 2017

As PP said, the love I feel for this little person. Seeing her face is the first thought that pops into my head when I wake up. Kids at ANY age can be trying but this deeper sense of unconditional love completely overrides that. She is just the absolute love of my life even when she's driving me insane (as she currently is by throwing her entire dinner on the floor but then still wanting to eat more).

It is hard for me to imagine my heart being being enough to have the same love for another child but I know it's just one of the wonders of the world that it happens. She'll always be the one who made me a mom, though...

CTRMommyof4 · March 2017

Been doing the mom thing for a long time now, and oh my gosh there's so many things I love. Too many to even think of or list. My favorite is just how much they love you and you love them. It's like no love that you ever feel for any other human being. My heart just bursts looking at them on an almost daily basis.

They're funny. Their accomplishments bring so much pride - more than I've ever felt for anything I've done. The hugs. The "I love you mommy". When they learn to talk, that's a huge one. The cute lisps they have and how the only person that understands what they are saying is me. Ugh, I just love being a momma!!!

fstluv95 · March 2017

I am expecting baby number 5 and love every minute of motherhood ! I love the hugs, the kisses, the smiles, hearing their laughter .... my oldest is 8 and watching her turn into a young lady from that sweet baby is amazing

ginger1228 · March 2017

Love. This. Thread.

One of my friends is constantly complaining about her kids and how they suck the life out of her. It makes me so sad. I know kids aren't always fun, but all this goodness has to outweigh the bad!

yellow1daisy · March 2017

Love this thread so much

. It's so easy to complain about all the hard days with kids (and there are definitely many of them) but even those hard days are worth it and I don't think we convey enough gratitude even though we all feel it. I share all the sentiments that have been shared.

My daughter is only 19 months but I have loved being her mom so much. There is so much more laughter in our house. Kids are HILARIOUS. And their joy is infectious. When she asks for hugs and lets me squeeze her while she smiles the biggest smile I've ever seen. All day she says "mom?" waits for me to say "yes?" and blows a kiss. She's been doing this for the past month and it's the most adorable thing ever. She does it a lot in the car--I think because RF she can't see me so she likes to hear my voice and know I'm there.

I was never and still am not a morning person. But the mornings when I go into her room, her eyes swell with love and she gets SO excited, it is my FAVORITE part of the day.

MrsLa3 · March 2017

@ljd2010 I was so nervous about how DD would react to DS. I thought she wouldn't like him, she would be jealous, and be mean to him. The first day she saw him she LOVED him. She hugged him and kissed him, she rubbed his hand and his head. I cried for 30 minutes when she told him she loved him. It was the sweetest thing I've ever seen.

DS on the other hand, I am worried about him. I know DD is ready to meet her new baby brother but not DS. If I say anything about his baby brother he says "no baby brudder, I baby." Sounds like fun.

Eta: spelling.

OperaSingerMommy · March 2017

There are so many wonderful things to say but my favorite thing in the world is watching DD's face light up when DH walks in the door. He is so sweet with her.

Poppyseed72017 · March 2017

Everything in this thread is my favorite thing about being a mommy. I can't help but get teary eyed reading everything you all have shared. I'm looking forward to seeing how all 3 of my children will react to baby.

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