Things I Thought Before Kids (and a Lot Less Coffee)

(Bless Her Sweet, Well-Rested Heart)

Before I became a mom, I had some thoughts.
Sweet. Naive. Hilarious thoughts.
I imagined peaceful mornings, enriching screen-free activities, and drinking my coffee while it was still hot.

Cue laugh track.

Motherhood has a way of flipping everything on its head—your schedule, your standards, and yes, your caffeine tolerance.

So in the spirit of “what was I even thinking?” here’s a list of things I once believed… back when I had free time, clean shirts, and a whole lot less coffee.

🍼 “I’ll never let my kids eat sugar before lunch.”

Reality: If it gets them to wear pants and stop licking the dog, we’re doing Pop-Tarts at 7:30 a.m.
Also, do Goldfish count as a balanced breakfast? Asking for a friend.

🧼 “My house will always be clean. I just won’t let it get messy.”

Reality: My house looks like a toy store exploded, a snack tornado passed through, and someone glitter-bombed the couch.
And honestly? I’ve made peace with it.

☕ “One cup of coffee is all I really need.”

Reality: One cup to wake up.
One to reheat three times.
One for the chaos.
One for the comeback.
One just because it’s quiet and I finally get to sit down.

🧠 “I’ll still have time for myself.”

Reality: Sure, I have time… but only if I count bathroom breaks with an audience and 3 a.m. Amazon scrolling.
Self-care now includes finishing a thought without interruption and drinking water before noon.

🚫 “I’ll never be the mom who…”

• Wears leggings five days straight

• Bribes with fruit snacks

• Speaks entirely in “Bluey” references

• Forgets the diaper bag

• Cries in the car

Spoiler: I’m all of those moms. And I’m doing great.

💛 But Also: “I had no idea I could love this much.”

No one told me I’d love someone so fiercely that even on the hardest days, I’d show up again and again—half-asleep, out of clean spoons, and holding a lukewarm mug.

No one told me I’d laugh harder, feel deeper, and cry over tiny socks and big milestones.

No one told me how worth it it would all be.

☀️ Final Sip

Before kids, I had plans.
After kids, I have priorities.

I may not get to drink hot coffee every day.
I may not always have it all together.
But I have a heart full of love, a home full of noise, and a coffee cup that’s always getting refilled.

And honestly?
That’s more than enough.