This is the beginning

I have the greatest title in the world. I am a mini persons best friend. I am a new Mom. Everyday my fiancé and I are amazed. But no one could have prepared us for the wonderful chaotic adventure of parenting. Having a newborn baby is really like having a ”pickled”roommate. They are always on the bottle, they throw up on you, they can be obnoxious with their farts, they expect you to clean up after them. They have no issue with their late night screaming singing sessions regardless who is trying to sleep, or the hour. There is no rest, they are incredibly demanding. But I love our “pickled” new roommate. Life has forever changed.

Once I was able to get up and leave at any time, wear whatever I desired, buy whatever I liked. I was able to travel the world, or just simply enjoy the local entertainment. Sleeping in was something I did often. I could live each day unplanned. These days, I attempt to map out our day. But it takes me 30 minutes to get ready to run a 20minute errand that quickly becomes an hour. A long line at Walmart could lead to a screaming hungry baby as we are now 10 minutes pass feeding time. A day I get to shower before 4PM is a very accomplished day. My attendance at gatherings is so rare that I am often re-introducing myself to people. And when I am asked “How are you?” I always respond as if it was directed towards my baby, and talk about how wonderful he is.

Dressing up to go out has ended. I wear shirts that I can easily pull down or up to feed my son. None of which are flattering. I no longer wear makeup, who has time? Dark circles are in right? And my perfume is now a unique smell of baby powder and milk. I spend my afternoons narrating my every action as a way to talk to my baby, and to keep myself from falling victim to baby brain and forgetting what I am doing, as I am doing it. All my conversations with adults are filled with excitement. It’s a big person like me!!! But all I can talk about is my son, and how funny he looked when he pooped today. Seeing my reflection in the mirror shows someone who’s body slightly resembles a shar pei, with exhaustion in her eyes but pride and love all over. I am a Master of multitasking the Keeper of our Home, but more importantly a Mom.

This is just the beginning of a lifetime adventure.

-Jessica Lanois “Once a globe-trotter now an entrepreneur and full time Mom”