Okay, that title is clearly an over exaggeration. Motherhood brings with it many constants; for instance, laundry, worry, floor wiping, and unconditional love all come to mind. But the thing that has proven most challenging, and taught me the most, is change.
Here is what my wonderful pediatrician told me at one of our first visits: "If you like your routine, enjoy it while it lasts, and if you don't, hang in there, because I promise it will change." Of course, when you're at the "hang in there" point, change is a beautiful savior. However, it takes a bit more practice to embrace any changes that upset an "I'm really getting the hang of this" routine.
And that's the rub, the second you even think, let alone say, "I've got our routine dialed" it ceases to be. Secretly bask in the joy of a perfect schedule, relish every minute that goes your way, but don't get too comfortable. Do not, under any circumstances, exclaim "my son naps for almost three hours a day!" and then quickly try to cover up your faux-pas with an "if we're lucky." It's too late, you are officially jinxed, he will never nap longer than one and a half hours again. This reminder might not be necessary for those naturally go-with-the-flow mamas. However, if you happen to be a type A-perfectionist-control-freak mama like me, this lesson can be hard to learn.
While I am fairly superstitious about openly declaring your "perfect schedule", I don't really think that is what changes it. It changes because babies grow, develop, and evolve constantly whether we like it or not. This change makes me sad, when he no longer wants to be held and snuggled close all the time. It makes me anxious, when I'm not sure how I'm going to get everything done when he won't sleep. It makes me proud, when it means he can do more on his own. And it makes me happy, when I realize that while he is learning to talk and run and climb, I am learning to let go.
Routine and structure have helped my family run smoothly and happily, but only when balanced with flexibility and good humor. Life changes, you can either go with the flow - or drown.
Here's to motherhood ... always changing, but never boring.
