I Love Being a Mom, But I Have No Interest in Giving Up Being My Own Person

Pre-baby, my morning “firsts” looked a little different. Before hearing my little one’s debut performance as the world’s cutest alarm clock, I’d welcome the dawn with a jog, a possibly too-strong coffee, and tunes that screamed “freedom!” Heck, I even had the luxury of taking random trips or, dare I say, leisurely dinners with friends (remember those?).

Now? My mornings are a delightful cocktail of baby gurgles, spit-ups, and a newfound appreciation for 5-minute power naps. And while my heart swells bigger than my pre-pregnancy jeans when I see those tiny fingers and toes, there’s a part of me that still daydreams about a hot coffee that isn't, you know, three hours cold.

Becoming a mom has been a ride – imagine a rollercoaster that occasionally flings diapers at you. But here's the kicker: amidst the chaos, the woman who once had the time to ponder over life’s big questions (like "Which Netflix show next?") still exists. She’s just now multitasking - a LOT.

So, as I juggle lullabies with personal dreams (and occasionally miss the mark, sending a pacifier flying across the room), I’m learning the comedic dance of motherhood. And while the steps might sometimes resemble a toddler’s first wobbly walk, I’m embracing it all with a wink and a chuckle. Because while my world has a new star in its orbit, this mama’s still got her groove!

Stretching Beyond the Role (And I Don’t Just Mean Yoga)

Before I had my mini-me, “stretching” meant pushing my limits, trying out a challenging Pilates pose, or maybe just reaching out for the remote without leaving the couch. Today, "stretching" has a delightful new meaning. It’s that morning game of “how far can I lean out of bed to pick up the pacifier without actually getting up?”

But don’t be fooled. I've recently made a glamorous re-entrance into the world of fitness. Between mastering the one-hand baby lift (patent pending) and the lullaby-squat combo, I’ve been squeezing in some actual Pilates and rewarding myself with sauna sessions. These aren’t just exercises in vanity; they’re reminders of the world beyond diapers and baby talk. A world where my abs once existed and will, hopefully, make a triumphant return.

But it’s not just about reclaiming my former, slightly less squishy self. It's about rekindling that inner spark. Sure, it's now accompanied by the soothing hum of a baby monitor and the occasional wail (baby or me, it varies), but it's there. And just so you know, if you see me in a deep lunge while simultaneously shushing a baby, it’s not a new fad – it’s just a day in the life of a mom who's trying to keep both her baby and her sense of self entertained!

A Mom, But Not Just

On any given day, I'm a half-decent juggler (balancing baby, work calls, and often a very cold cup of coffee), an undercover detective (seriously, where do all the pacifiers vanish to?), and an impromptu opera singer (because apparently, my rendition of Puccini is the ONLY thing that calms baby down during bath time).

Let’s get one thing straight though: while “Mama” is my most cherished title to date, it hasn't absorbed my entire identity. It’s nestled in there beside “Dance Party Enthusiast”, “Lover of Bad Puns”, and “Queen of Me-Time (however brief)”. Remember the gal who could do a mean karaoke version of “Don’t Look Back in Anger”? Yep, she’s still here. She just now has a tiny, adorable, and slightly off-key backup singer (don’t know where she got that from).

The idea isn't to overshadow the old with the new, but rather to blend them in a weirdly harmonious (and often comedic) dance. So, on the days when I manage to watch an entire movie without interruption or sneak in a pampering session, I relish it. And on the days when I'm knee-deep in diapers and baby giggles, I cherish that too.

In essence, while there’s a bit more baby talk and a lot more lullabies in my life now, the core soundtrack remains the same — a mixtape of old favorites, new rhythms, and a dash of delightful chaos. If you see me dancing in the grocery aisle, pacifier in hand and baby in tow, just know I’m living my best multi-titled life.

Previous
Previous

So Sophie Turner is a "bad mother" for not giving up her pre-motherhood persona?

Next
Next

Why is it still predominantly considered Women's job to do most of the unpaid care work?