Life After Baby

Before you have a baby, topics of conversation between you and your spouse might include: discussions about work, where you want to go out to dinner that weekend, what movies are playing at the theater, what bottle of wine you would like to have with the delicious dinner you've prepared, possible travel plans

After baby arrives, topics of conversation include: how the baby slept, what the poop was like today, what quick dinner you can throw together or what takeout place is closest, what movies are playing in the theater that you might like to rent when it's out on dvd even though it takes you 5 hours to get through the movie, travel plans to visit the grandparents, how adorable your baby is, how much you love your baby, and sleep, sleep, and did I mention sleep?

Before you have a baby, you fantasize about how great life will be once you have a baby.

After you have a baby, you fantasize about life before baby.

Before you have a baby, you work a 40 hour week and then go home and relax.

After you have a baby, your job becomes 24/7 and is filled with singing songs, playing on the floor with toys, reading books, diaper changes, and feedings. And cleaning house and cooking on the side.

Before baby, you and your spouse can have as much time alone together as possible.

After baby, what is alone time again?

Before baby, you slept through the night (except during that last part of pregnancy where your body decides to torture you by giving you insomnia).

After baby, a good night is only getting up twice during the night.

Before baby, shopping trips might include purchasing clothing for yourself or your spouse.

After baby, all shopping trips become about purchasing clothing, toys, or diapers for baby.

Before baby, people who talk about their kids all the time drive you crazy and make you want to stick pencils in your ears.

After baby, these people become your best friends.

Before baby, if you wanted to go somewhere, you could just pick up and go!

After baby, you must make sure the baby is fed, has a clean diaper, is appropriately dressed for the weather, and then you have to gather all of the million items you might need for the outing. And then you have to make sure you have the stroller in your car if it's needed. In other words, it's a production!

Before you have a baby, you dream about how wonderful it would be to have a little one in your life and how much joy they would bring.

Once you have that baby, you know how amazing it is and that it's worth every sacrifice because you have this beautiful baby in your arms!