Parenthood

Sometimes I feel really bad when I can't get together with my friends - that I can't just drop everything on a whim and take a weekend to visit them.  And sometimes I would love to do that, but I can't.  I have responsibilities.  

When I found out I was pregnant, I traded in my college textbooks for books like What to Expect When You're Expecting and What to Expect the First Year.

I traded sleeping in late for not sleeping at all.  

I gave up cute clothing for myself and could've cared less when I got spit up on a sweater.  

I stressed over figuring out how many diapers and outfits to pack instead of my thesis statement .

When my baby feels pain, I'm in pain with her and we cry together.

And when she learns something new, or does something silly, I literally beam with pride.

So maybe I'm not the best friend ever, and I'm not as attentive as I used to be, but friendship works both ways.  One day you'll understand the sacrifices, and you'll probably feel the same way I do.  

Because being a parent means you sacrifice your free time to work on potty training.  

And you don't stay out until 3am like you used to.  

You don't care that your shoes and shirt and purse don't match, you're just glad to get out of the house in one piece.

Because you're not just responsible for yourself anymore.

Because the first time you set eyes on them your world is absolutely perfect and you can't remember your life before they were a part of it.