by Betsy Shaw posted in Parenting

I read a beautiful account of motherhood, written by a BabyCenter mom in response to the question, "As you go through this journey, what have you learned about yourself and how has parenthood changed you""
Here's what Stomachbutterflies replied:
 "I found out that I can function on very little sleep, that I am stronger than I thought (both physically and psychologically), that I can love a second child with as much intensity as the first, that my body anxieties are nothing compared to the gift of life, that little everyday moments are precious... Let's share and spread positive energy and encouragement!"
I love this idea. We are, after all, human before we become mother. And, 15 years into this mom gig, I am still a student of parenthood. Every single day throws another parenting challenge my way. And with challenge comes self reflection. With each reflection comes another version of the truth. And this is what I see -- the good, the bad and the ugly. 1. I am good at finding things as long as they aren't things I'm personally looking for: When my kids or husband are looking for things, I'm the chief thing-finder. My mind somehow retains all those fleeting sightings of things that are totally out of place -- the single shin guard in the winter hat drawer, the ever-elusive earbuds on a bookshelf, hiding behind a book. I don't consciously register the sighting until my kid says, "Has anyone seen my earbuds"...