What it Means to be a Parent

Many of you probably wonder why this blog is called "Momma Without a Clue."  Why should I read a blog written by someone who doesn't know what they're talking about?  That isn't the case.  Sure, I have my clueless moments - but more, this blog is about my journey into parenthood.  Not knowing more than how to change diapers and feed a baby when I started this adventure, I learn more every day what it is that takes to be a parent.  It isn't all sugarplums and fairy dust, I'll tell you that right now.

Being a mom isn't about changing a diaper - it's worrying how the heck you can afford diapers when you had to spend the last $12 of the week on formula.  

It isn't 2 A.M. feedings - It's freaking out when your baby refuses their bottle and falls asleep and then getting up with a screaming baby 4 times between midnight and daylight and then wondering how they're so happy and ready to play at 7A.M.

It isn't sleep training - It's letting your baby fall asleep on your chest in the hopes that you might get an extra two hours of sleep before they demand to be fed, or snuggled, or rocked.

It isn't "teething" - It's 5 gallons of drool, diaper rash, screaming, orajel, teething tablets, cold teething rings, and giving up when they decide that chewing on a wooden spoon is what will make them stop crying.

It isn't potty training - It's dropping everything that you might be in the middle of doing and running as fast as you can to the bathroom, scooping the little one up on the way, to make sure that they make it to the potty before there's a puddle in the floor (again.)

It isn't giving your child a bath - It's getting splashed, soaked, soap in your eyes, rubber duckies swimming, testing the water temperature, trying to clean the dirt off their cheek before they realize what you're doing.

It isn't planning your child's future - It's worrying to a point of panic if they are going to end up with the same anxiety disorders you have, if they are going to still love you when they turn into teenagers, if you will ever be able to afford a college education for them.

It isn't parenting - It's teaching your child how to be a good person, worrying every moment, loving harder than you ever thought possible, tearing your hair out, stepping on legos, breaking up fights, kissing boo-boos, making sure they eat, and being the best parent you are capable of being without messing them up too bad.

It's love.  Pure and simple.