Then and Now

There are lots of changes which appear in your lives with children. Some loudly announce their presence and demand you attention - namely your baby/toddler. There are also those changes that sneak-in unnoticed, usually masked by the sleep-deprived haze:

• Meal time - Then: casual dinners, Now: "rapid-fire-eating" - getting in as much of your meal as possible prior to toddler meltdown.
• What defines a "good" restaurant - Then: small upscale bistros with foodie appeal, Now: any restaurants that have high chairs, serve grilled cheese, and won't flinch at the amount of food underneath your table. Yes Applebees, we love you.
• Date Night - Then: Dinner and "going out", Now: an Addison sleepover at Grandma's, Movie, dinner, and asleep by 10.
• What it means to "Do my hair" - Then: blow-dry, straighten, and style. Now: any hair style not involving a ponytail.
• Quality time with husband - Then: you know, Now: passing out together in front of the TV.
• Car ride - Then: how you got to the fabulous party you were going to, Now: the last desperate measure to put your kid to sleep, driving around the block in your pajamas.

Still, it takes just one "Mama mama!" smile to melt your heart and make it all worthwhile.