We never knew we could love someone so much.

We never knew we could be so selfless. We also didn’t know something could be so exhausting. But what about the other ordinary things we as mothers realize after that bundle of joy arrives?

Everything is a hazard.

Once babies start putting everything in their mouths, we stay on high alert. Things are too hot, too cold or too prickly to touch. Things are too big, too small or too sharp for mouths. Things are too loose, too tight or too dangerous to have near faces. Everything is scary, and everything can choke. Everything is sharp.

Anything can be a toy.

It’s the beauty of being a baby. Everything is new and exciting and feels funny in their hands. Suddenly those pricey toys we registered for don’t hold a candle to that empty water bottle. Just pick something up and give it to them; they’ll love it.

The big stall in the public bathroom isn’t just for anybody.

We’ve all done it: when walking into the bathroom at a restaurant or grocery store we head straight for that big stall in the back. Going to the bathroom takes only a minute or two, but God forbid we have to pee in an area smaller than the powder room in our houses. That big stall has a changing table in it, however, and we suddenly realize it’s time for those who want extra legroom  to make some sacrifices.

Showers take a really long time.

When baby goes down for a nap and we’ve done all  the other things that need to be done, we may want to shower. However, even if we pick which essential parts to wash and nothing else, the baby will wake up or make some kind of noise that causes us to check on her, shampoo running down our faces.

Cartoons are funny.

We all laughed at cartoons when we were kids, but adults rarely watch them by themselves. Once a child comes along and we choose to tune into something animated, mothers learn that cartoon creators actually know what they’re doing. They know we’re sitting there, watching the cartoons with our little ones, so they throw in a joke or two for us. It’s highly appreciated.

Poop is amazing.

Maybe not all poop—the surprises your Chihuahua leaves on the carpet don’t get any better—but definitely baby poop. Is the baby’s poop a particular color? That means this. Is the baby’s poop a particular consistency? That means this. Is the baby pooping every day? That means this. Babies can’t tell us what’s wrong, but they can definitely show it in their diaper.

Zippers are better than snaps. Always.

When babies are first born, their little onesies  have only three snaps on the bottom: a quick 1-2-3 to the diaper motherland. However as they get older, snaps are everywhere! Snaps on jackets, snaps on the back of dresses, snaps literally all the way up pajamas. We quickly realize zippers need to be added to shopping decision-making. Oh, and those outfits with actual buttons? Nightmare.

Our mothers are incredible.

There is a moment when we realize a woman did all this for us. The dirty diapers, the sleepless nights, the sacrifices. She kept us safe and happy. The best part? When we need a night off or someone to call because our three-month-old has a rash on her neck that the Internet swore was fatal, our moms are still there, waiting to keep us safe and happy. And away from all sharp objects.

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         Assistant Editor: Kathryn Rutz/Editor: Bryonie Wise

         Photo: Flickr Creative Commons