how being a mom has changed me

*This was one of our first outings with a newborn...can you see the relief on my face?

I thought it would be interesting to make a list of how being a mom has changed my hair day-to-day life.  So, here it goes...

1.  going to the grocery store

::before baby::
I would take my time and peruse the aisles, and compare prices and nutrition labels.  I would also most likely find myself distracted by any clothing or beauty products, and possibly spend 30 more minutes than planned at the store.

::after baby:: 
I plan the meals for the week ahead and make a detailed shopping list.  I make sure I am ready to go before the baby wakes up from nap, so all I have to do is feed her before we leave.  I stick to my list and buy the generic brand of everything hoping that it will taste good and be cheaper.  I glance at the clothes and beauty products, and then remind myself that I know better.

2.  eating (in general)

::before baby::
I would debate about what I wanted while staring into the refrigerator for about five minutes.  Finally, after I decided, I would make a nice meal to eat off of one of our ceramic plates.

::after baby:: 
I realize I am starving at random points in the day and grab whatever is most convenient.  Although, I am working on getting better at this (referring to my post earlier this week on my favorite snacks).  Handfuls of trail mix usually do the trick.

3.  checking e-mails

::before baby::
I would leisurely sip on coffee and check e-mails as I woke up for the day.

::after baby:: 
I set my alarm before the baby wakes up so I can check e-mails like I used to ("sipping on coffee, yadda yadda...)  But, usually I get ambushed and end up holding the baby with a bottle in one arm and scrolling through e-mails with the other.

4.  my identity

::before baby::
I knew my identity was in Christ, but I didn't feel the need to cling to it because I had others things to define me like being a teacher, and I was proud of it...maybe too proud.

::after baby::
It's hard to feel accomplished by changing dirty diapers and going to the grocery store.  If I allow those things to define me, I end up feeling pretty low about myself.  Motherhood is HUMBLING.  Christ has always been my identity, but now I am actually clinging to that.  He gives me my worth.  I only have Christ, and it should always be that way! 

*I almost didn't post the middle picture (the night before I had Quinn), but it would have seemed a little odd to leave out in this picture sequence. ;)