There are some obvious changes that one expects after having kids: sleep habits, travel plans (lack thereof), quality and quantity of TV time, strong language around kids, etc. But there are a some things that aren't so obvious-- things that I've just started noticing that I do/consider.
1. Parking jobs
Especially now that I have 2 kids in the backseat, I choose my parking spots extra carefully to ensure that I can open both backseat doors freely. Logan is a little easier since I can slip him out of a tight door opening, but Charlie's infant car seat is obviously much wider, so a tight spot on the left side just won't do. But this is a warning to non-parents! Please park properly or else you will risk not only getting your car door damaged from the banging of another car door trying to open, but you might also end up getting this special unwanted gift if your parking job REALLY sucks (it's a poopy diaper too):
2. Disguising innocent words
Obviously, one does not want to curse in front of their children (although I've seen/heard plenty of parents still do it, accidental or not). They're going to learn these words one day anyway, but we still don't want to encourage using that kind of language, particularly at such a young age. During our conversations, he husband and I will often disguise or change words so instead of "that's stupid," we'll say "that's silly." But sometimes, we'll be talking about something totally innocent and not want Logan to hear it just yet because he'll lose focus on what he's currently doing-- like if Logan's eating his dinner, and I'll ask the husband "do we have any BA's left?" ("BA" is code for banana). If I say the word "banana," Logan will instantly stop eating his dinner, push it away, and start screaming "NANA-NANA!!!" If you're ever at my house, don't say the following words in front of Logan while he is eating his main meal: banana ("BA"), raisin ("RAI"), orange ("ORA"), Sesame Street ("SS"), Charlie Brown ("Peanuts"). You can use the appropriate codes or speak of such things after he's completed eating his main course :).
3. Germs!
I was never a germaphobe before having kids, however my husband is a clean-freak. But we are both in the camp of exposing our kids to some germs to help toughen their immune systems. If Logan dropped a cracker on the ground, I'd give it a little blow and give it right back to him-- no biggie. Now, if it fell on the floor of the NYC subway, then I'd throw it right in the trash! (you realize how disgusting the city is after you have kids). A few weeks ago, Logan contracted some virus from school and after just 1 sneeze on baby Charlie, the poor baby got bronchiolitis at only 2.5 months. Since then, I've been a little more germaphobic around the baby. The only thing babies put in their mouths at this age are their hands, so I am typically careful not to touch his hands unless I need to or if I know my hands have just been washed. It made me realize my friends must've cringed whenever I touched their babies' hands! To be safe (and respectful), always wash your hands before touching a baby and avoid touching babies' hands unless you know your hands are clean.
4. My wardrobe
I'm in that in-between stage where neither pregnancy nor pre-pregnancy clothes fit me. I've been living in stretchy leggings and Uniqlo jeggings-- hopefully far from being "frumpy!" Many people make the wrong assumption that moms don't think or care about their wardrobe after they have kids. But you know what? Maybe it's quite the opposite-- some moms DO think about their wardrobe much more than you think. For example, in this colder weather, I want to throw on my thick sweaters that have been unworn for the past 8 months but I always have to stop and ask myself: 1) When was the last time I washed this? 2) Was it with the Free & Clear detergent? 3) Is this material going to irritate Charlie's skin? 4) Does it cover my fat ass? (Most of my sweaters fail the 4th question). I have a few trendy faux fur vests that I've been wanting to don, but alas, they are not baby-friendly. Necklaces are often a no-go given my baby will likely rub his face on them too. Even my shoes are affected! How I long to wear cute pumps again! But have you tried carrying an (extremely heavy) infant car seat and baby bag while walking in heels? While your legs may look skinny and sexy, it's neither safe nor comfortable. And shoes that require straps or buckles? What mother has time for that?? Baby is crying, toddler is running away-- it is GO-time! So, I've been sticking with anything that I can slip-on easily: flats and my Sorel boots for extra-cold weather. So next time you see me dressed in boring-not-so-fashionable-cotton outfits please know that I did take a lot of time thinking about my outfit!
