(Even the Sticky Hands and Bathroom Intrusions)
If you’re in the thick of motherhood—the mess, the noise, the sleepless nights—this one’s for you.
Right now, it might feel like you’ll never pee alone again. Like the toys will always be everywhere. Like you’ll always be needed this much.
But one day, everything will change. Slowly, quietly, and without warning.
As I now have a child in college, one about to start the last year in high school, and another starting the last year of elementary school, I’ve made a few observations… Here’s a list of the crazy, beautiful, unexpected things you’ll actually miss as your babies grow up.
1. Being Their Whole World
There’s a short window in life when you’re the center of their universe. Your hugs fix everything. Your voice is comfort. Your presence is enough.
2. Sticky Hands on Your Face
You’ll cringe at the mess now—but you’ll miss the way they reach for you with nothing but trust, love, and a half-eaten cracker.
3. “Mommy, Watch This!” (x1,000)
Right now, you might be over it. But one day, they’ll stop asking. And you’ll wonder what they’re up to when they don’t need your applause.
4. Tiny Voices Saying Big Feelings
The mispronounced words (one of our favorite was “cow-paters” instead of caterpillars). The dramatic declarations (sometimes beautifully sweet in the quiet of home and sometimes brutally embarrassing in the middle of the grocery store!)… The random, “You’re my best friend, Mommy” out of nowhere.
5. Midnight Cuddles
Sleep-deprived you might disagree, but the quiet moments when they curl into your chest are irreplaceable.
6. Needing 47 Snacks to Leave the House
Yes, it’s chaotic. Yes, it’s loud. But it’s your current normal—and someday, the car will be clean and strangely quiet.
7. Bathroom Buddies
One day, they won’t follow you into the bathroom anymore…you won’t see the tiny fingers sticking under the door when you were finally brave enough to close it for your 2 minutes of peace. And weirdly… you’ll kind of miss the tiny knock and the “I just wanted to be with you.”
8. Endless, Random Questions
From “Why is the sky blue?” to “Why do we have monkey grass if we don’t have monkeys?”—you’re their Google. Enjoy being the smartest person in the world (while it lasts).
9. Rocking Them to Sleep
You never know when it’s the last time you’ll hold them as they drift off. That thought alone will one day break your heart in the softest way.
10. The Little Clothes and Tiny Shoes
One day, there won’t be tiny socks hiding in the laundry. The laundry will still be endless… but different…and probably even done without your help (gasp!).
11. Having a “Helper” for Everything
Yes, it slows you down. But they want to help, and that’s a magical thing.
12. The Repetition
The same book, the same show, the same bedtime song every night—those routines will fade faster than you think. There will be nights that you just can’t “wait” until bedtime is easier…but trust me, one night, it just stops…no warning…and it hurts more than you’d care to admit.
13. The Toy Tornado
You’ll step on LEGOs, sure. But one day, your living room will be clean… and you’ll miss the mess that meant life and love were being lived in every corner.
14. Being Asked for Snuggles 24/7
You’re their safe place. The hugs will become quicker, more reserved. Don’t rush the clinginess. It won’t always be there.
15. Being Everything
The truth is: you won’t always be their favorite person. But you’ll always remember the time you were.
So What Do You Do With That?
You soak it in.
You laugh through the madness.
You cry when they outgrow their footie pajamas.
You take the blurry pictures and write down the silly quotes.
You pause when you can. Because one day, you’ll miss even the moments you thought you wouldn’t survive.
You don’t trade it for the world…but, you don’t say no to a silent hotel room, a warm bath, and a {{hot}} cup of coffee.
Need a Laugh as you survive the journey of motherhood? I post real mom moments, Amazon finds, and more on [@straightouttamymind247] on Instagram/ Facebook. Come join the chaos, the comfort, and the occasional cute haul.
Bonus: Mother’s Day Gift Ideas You Deserve (Yes, You!) Treat yourself-or not-so-subtly send this link to someone who needs a hint: [Shop My Full Amazon Mother’s Day List Here]
Keep the Memories Close: [Shop “Baby Days” Keepsake Ideas Here]
And if this post made you smile, cry, or both—share it with a mom friend who gets it. Time truly is a thief…
Straight Outta My Mind 