The Artist Formerly Known as 24 Hour Tara

Me- on a night out where 24 hour attempted to make an appearance!

 Once upon a time, I partied like a rock star. At times I partied so hard, I actually thought I was in fact one! I moved to Miami when I was 20, so use your imagination. But - no matter how hard I partied, I always knew that when it was all said and done, and I was ready to grow up, that I wanted to be a mom. I wanted to be a mom as far back as I can remember.

Now that I am a mom, I find myself asking the same question. How can something you have always wanted, something you love so much, also be the hardest thing you have ever done? I never knew parenting would be as hard as it is. Friends of mine had kids before me and when they would complain about the hardships of motherhood, I thought it was an exaggeration or maybe they were having a bad day.  For some reason, when I was child free, I only saw the cute side of children. The funny things they said, the adorable clothes they wore or the curls on the bottom of  little girls hair. I guess now I see its because I was able to just escape any moment. Shitty diaper- here's your kid back. Crying baby- walk away. Throw up- ugh! I was able to request a table as far away from kids as possible. Set myself up at the beach in a non kid zone. I was limited to kiddie situations....that is, until I had my own.

Now that I am a mom, I see the hardships of mothering firsthand. It is daunting, its amazing, its a roller coaster. I understand the complaining. I understand losing patience. I now nod as if part of a sisterhood when I see a mom yelling at her kid like a maniac in the aisle of the supermarket. The old me would have  shook my head at her in disgust. But now, I am her. Sure some down time would be nice. Alone time is basically non-existent. Do I miss going to the bathroom alone? Sure. Would I give it up for a stint with 24 hour Tara? Absolutely not.

I had fun as the old me. She was a good time, ask anyone who knew her. I may not be as fun as I once was, or as thin, but I am the happiest I have ever been in my life- shitty diapers and all.