What Mama means to me

SJ Snelson - 16 Mar 16

So Bambina turned 6 months old and so did the Mama in me.

10 things I have found out thus far, that pre-mama I had no clue. (*These are my experiences and I am not saying all mamas will experience the same)

• I never knew Bambina’s birthdays would mean so much to me.

For as long as I can remember my birthdays have been all about me and what I want to: do, go, wear – call me selfish , but I figure this is how most people’s birthdays go – well at least pre-baby.

But I now realise my birthday was also for my Mom. Every year she would get excited, knee deep in cake mix and wrapped in royal icing, hosting parties and showering me in gifts – I thought just to honour me, but I also now know it is very much about celebrating her. She pushed me out on that day and every year she will remember this and go giddy with pride (I hope – she may just go giddy at how time flies and what is left to do on her to do list, or the fact that I haven’t quite turned out as she planned). But I expect she celebrated the number of years she’s been a fully-fledged mama with a deep joy and peace – knowing her baby made another year happy and healthy.

• I will be filled me with a self-confidence I have never experienced.

I’ve always been a little feisty bolsher on occasion – especially when a little alcohol fuelled, but now I am completely geared up for war and to lay my life on the line to protect Bambina’s life and her choices on a daily basis.

• It will not be easy to tell Bambina off.

6 months old and she’s already naughty. She blows food into Mama’s face, waits for a reaction and then giggles vigorously. Bambina’s blatant cheekiness and willingness to test the boundaries can make me mad as hell and then instantaneously laugh out loud with her.

• I will not worry about my make-up when Bambina is dribbling all over my face, even when in public.

Why would I worry about my make-up smudging when bambina is trying to cover me in her version of besitas? Totally absorbed in love (and absorbing the drool).

• I will be excited over the first solid poo.

Yep this happened. I called Mr O at work and had proud tears in my eyes. Gawd knows what I will be like when she potty trains?!

• I will not be bothered, too much, by being woken up 4-5 times every night.

Don’t get me wrong I am tired and would love a 5 hour stretch. BUT seeing Bambina happy and healthy, just a little hungry makes me content.

• Being ill in bed, undisturbed with a duvet will not be an option.

Because it is programmed within not to completely take time off from being a Mama even when the help and support is available. That’s not to say I have not taken advantage of being able to stay in bed with lemsip deliveries when given the chance, but even when feeling bed-bound crap I am all over Bambina related tasks (remotely from bed with a mobile, when lucky).

• I will not be able to rationalise the irrational and shouldn’t over think.

Sometimes Bambina just goes plain crazy on us and it isn’t easy trying to figure her out. But she is learning and experiencing this world for the first time so sometimes her reactions may appear unfounded or out of character and rather than googling her behaviour I have come to accept her moments and hug them out (if she will stay still long enough).

• People telling me I won’t love Mr O the same once Bambina arrived – were right.

They were not right to tell me I won’t love him as much – my love just grew another dimension.

• I will spoil Bambina.

She is 6 months old and already has over 50 books and her very own amazon wishlist. Oops.

There are so many other things about being a Mama that I didn’t really expect and was completely unprepared for and I’m only 6 months in!! I am excitedly nervous about finding out what other lessons I have in store.

So what has Mama meant to me so far? The world and then some more.

SJ Snelson

I'm SJ. Living in Brum, in the middle land. I have 1 crazy bambina, 1 step-teenager, and 1 husband (who fluctuates between superman and Magneto - often depending on my mood). My family and friends are always my staples, my clan, my tribe – and Bambina my hero. Find me on insta @themamacave

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