Podcast | Conversations with our Pre-Kids Selves

I had to steal this 2006 photo of me in college off a friend’s FB page. Peep that Making Fiends shirt!

I am a mother of three children now and this must seem laughable to anyone who knew me B.C. (before children). Me, who used to say "cool baby" when I'd breeze past a mom in a crosswalk. Me, who babysat for the very first time in her life at the age of 30 and newly pregnant. Me, who once told a preschool child, "No, I do not want to hold you. You look very sticky."

If I could have a conversation with my pre-mom self, first, we'd meet somewhere nice where parents don't typically bring little children (because when is the last time I've been to a restaurant like that?!), but second, I'd tell me that motherhood isn't so bad. That kids are hilarious and frustrating but a marvel and the cargo truck that delivers a joy like no other. I'd warn myself about the sleeplessness and the spit up (so much spit up). I'd prepare myself for the physical toll pregnancy, delivery, and carrying that blasted carseat everywhere would take on my body. I'd tell myself to save a little more money, to travel while I can, and to not cut off all my hair on a whim thanks to very little sleep and an unspoken uneasiness with a fluctuating body. Things will be sticky for unknown reasons, you'll get better at holding babies (and you won't hand yours to someone else when he starts crying), and one day, you'll look at your kid and think "cool baby", indeed.

Would pre-kid me listen? Probably not. Pre-kid me thought she knew a lot about how she'd parent, but boy, was she wrong.