Roller Coaster Parenting

Even if you don't have kids, you know that parenthood has its share of highs and lows. Think of the things you put your parents through! I have been thinking about these ups and downs lately, and decided to make a list. Some are what-did-I-get-myself-into moments, while others are how-could-I-possibly-live-without-this moments.

high- pregnancy (So exciting!!)
low- pregnancy ( HORMONES, hungry, nauseous, happy, sad, excited, scared...)
high- the day you see that sweet face for the first time
low- changing tar filled diapers
high- being in charge of something so precious (I MADE this little person and can shape him/her into a wonderful addition to society!)
low- being in charge of something so precious (I don't want to mess this up, so I'll second guess myself 384 times every day.)
high- seeing poop in the potty for the first time from your wee one
low- pulling items from a poopy toilet (This week alone we have had 2 casualties to this act. Sigh.)
high- tiny hand grasping my finger while she eats
low- breastfeeding in general for the first month or so (My poor nipples! Will they ever be the same?! Panic- she's hungry and I'm in the waiting room...can I really DO this here??)
high- nap time!!!!! YAHOO! (This is especially nice when Mommy gets one, too.)
low- days without naps
high-giggles and smiles
low- screaming while I try to make dinner
high- hearing your child is waking up from his anesthesia and asking for you
low- taking your child to to ER (for any reason!)
high- hearing "I want Mommy to do it!" (awww)
low- hearing "I want Mommy to do it!'  (doh!)
high- feeding your baby solid foods for the first time
low- seeing the horrible rash resulting from an allergic reaction to said solid foods (What have I done?!)
high- "I love you THIIIIIIIIS much, Mommy! All the way to the moon and back!"
low- temper tantrums because I: flushed the toilet, turned off the light, forgot to put Buzz in the car, put Buzz in the car the wrong way, opened the wrong pack of fruit snacks, put 12 pistachios in the snack bowl instead of 13, used the wrong voice while reading a book, said no to candy and cookies and juice for dinner...(This list could continue forever. May have to dedicate an entire blog post to tantrums in the future.)
high- bath time and the smell of a clean baby/kid
low- bath time tantrums (see above for ideas of what may have triggered it- too hot? too cold? too many toys? not enough toys?)
high- sweet baby breath
low- washing poop out of clothing, sheets, blankets, changing pad covers, etc
high- tiny hands touching my face
low- tiny hands grabbing my hair and yanking like a bull rider
high- hearing thank yous for something simple "Thank you for making me dinner, Mommy!" or "Thank you for taking me to the park!"
low- "I don't like that!" (Potentially heard at every.single.meal around here.)
high- "I DO like that!" (Rare, but sometimes it happens.)
low- going to the store- "I want this. I want this. I want that. I want this."
high- up every few hours at night for months and months (Bonus cuddle time!)
low- up every few hours at night for months and months (Mommy needs sleep, kid. Seriously.)
high- hearing "MOMEEEEEEEE!" when I pick him up from school
low- leaving their sweet faces to go to work every morning
high- hugs and wet, sloppy kisses
This list could go on and on, and I'm sure there will be days with more lows than highs. But there is never-- NEVER a second I could imagine my life without my sweet (sometimes) children. I'm hopping back on the Hooker family coaster tomorrow morning! Or in a few hours if Callie decides she wants some bonus time with me at 3 am...