7 things I wish I’d known before becoming a mom

    Motherhood. You never know the extent of what to expect until you actually become a mom for the first time and begin living out the joys and challenges. Nine years ago, I didn’t know what I was in for after I delivered my firstborn child on a beautiful October morning in Dallas. I’m certainly better today because of the sanctifying, dying-to-self work that’s required in mothering and nurturing my four children today.
    Here are seven truths that would’ve helped me prepare for the journey:
    
    1. Sleep deprivation is the new normal. Sleep? Who needs it anyway? Because the first few years you won’t be getting it, so you might as well live with it. Coffee will be your best friend even if you didn’t drink it before. Sneaking in naps when the time allows will be your saving grace. Don’t feel guilty for giving your body the rest it needs.
    
    2. You’ll love your child so much that it hurts. Disobedience, harsh words, tantrums, sibling fighting — oh, how it can make your blood boil and provoke you to anger! It hurts when your child hurts you and others and doesn’t obey. But loving your child wholeheartedly means risking wholeheartedly, too. I promise, it’s still worth the risk to keep loving them unconditionally.
    
    3. Prioritizing your husband is non-negotiable. Your kids can be thriving in the home, but if your relationship with your husband isn’t, then adjustments need to be made. Do everything you can to put your husband first and not make excuses in the midst of the chaos and demands for, “Mommy! Mom! Momma!?” Protect your marriage like it’s your newborn baby.
    
    4. Fingerprints on newly cleaned windows, playdough stuck in the carpet and bodily fluids are only the beginning of the neverending messes. We’re barely scratching the surface here, moms. Get ready for the mess because it will be daily and sometimes it will be GROSS. Every home has them, large and small. Kids will be kids. Don’t let the messes get under your skin too much even if you’re OCD.

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