Reality.

What they don’t tell you at your doctor appointments, the childbirth preparation classes, or even in the hospital is the fact that you won’t feel like yourself after having your baby and that is Normal. It’s weird to believe that you created a tiny little human and you are now a Mom. When you are in the hospital you have so much help, Nurses are there when you need them. The reality of being a new parent hits when you get home. Once you are home you come face to face with Motherhood. Motherhood is the stretch marks, the spit up on your clothes, the nursing bras, the dirty bottles, the long nights, the anxiety attacks, lactation supplements, sore boobs, the crazy hormones, the constant crying (Both you and baby), and utter exhaustion. The first few weeks are the worst. I cried constantly, I found it hard to connect with the sweet baby that I held for 9 months. I felt like all I was was a milk machine. The things that help me move forward is that sweet little face that looks up at me and giggles while I feed her, the little toes that reach up to my face, the little noises she makes after she sneezes, the big stretches she makes after a good sleep and even the warmth of my sweet baby girl cuddled up sleeping on my chest. Some days are harder than others. Some days you will cry over spilled milk. Some days I don’t want to get out of bed. Some days I feel like giving up, but I know that is not an option. Every moment with my baby girl is precious and they become memories before they are even over. All I can do is remind myself that I am trying my best. My child may not notice that I have dark rings under my eyes from the lack of sleep, that my shirt has nipple cream stained on it, or even that my hair is greasy because I haven’t taken a good shower since having her, because in her eyes I am perfection.