Becoming a mother – what an adventure! When I was expecting my first child, I was full of ambition and good intentions. I made a list of 10 great resolutions that I intended to keep. But let's be honest: the reality of motherhood is quite different! Here are my resolutions that I almost kept as a new mom!
1. Finding the perfect sleep routine
It all started enthusiastically; I meticulously recorded my baby's sleep times. But soon, sleepless nights and unexpected awakenings made me realize that the "perfect sleep routine" is a lie. By that point, I was happy to be sleeping next to my partner again, after we'd decided, "Separate bedrooms, that's it!"
2. Healthy eating: Homemade food for the whole family
I saw myself as a model mom, conjuring up balanced meals for her baby and herself, because I love to cook. But between the baby's little tearful fits and my own (sometimes desperate) ones, cakes and pizza soon won out over celery puree.
3. No baby toys or equipment in the living room
Today my living room looks like a kind of playroom / nursery / kindergarten...
4. Never "blackmail" my children
Who doesn't tempt their child with dessert to ensure they eat all their vegetables...?
5. Always be super organized
Because strict organization saves time, I meticulously created detailed schedules for each day. The reality? An unpredictable baby, full diapers, and me in "Where did I put my coffee again?" mode.
6. Take time for myself every day
I managed to carve out a few minutes for myself... in my dreams! Between breastfeeding, diaper changes, and comforting hugs, I learned to appreciate every quiet moment without noise, even if it only lasts a few seconds.
7. No children in your own bed
That was forgotten from the moment I breastfed my baby in bed for the first time.
8. Exercise regularly after giving birth
Yes, I managed to do a few yoga poses... once with the baby on my belly. It's a kind of "duo yoga" I saw on Instagram... ha... ha...
9. Little or no screen time
Screens have become my best friends, or rather, my child's best friends. Cartoons are our allies in calming tears and giving me a brief respite. I never imagined I'd become this kind of parent. Limiting screen time is now my daily struggle...
10. Maintain a social life to escape.
Social life is for people who aren't in their pajamas by 4 p.m. I felt uncomfortable going out in public with dark circles under my eyes and my tired postpartum body. But okay, I managed to invite friends over, and they were very understanding about the diaper smell and the new decor... BUT IT FEELS GOOD!
In short: Motherhood is full of surprises and challenges, but also full of amusing moments and intense happiness. Yes, I haven't kept all my resolutions, but I've learned to cherish every moment with my baby, even in the midst of chaos. Perhaps I'll never be a perfect mother, but I'm convinced that I'm exactly the mother my child needs, and that's what matters most. So, to all the new mothers who made impossible resolutions: Don't worry, because you're already a great mom—resolutions or no resolutions!
Your ROOKIE mom Ellen
