There is no question that motherhood has many rewards but let’s face it, there are so many things about parenting that we’d rather not have to deal with anymore. There are so many things I will miss about this time in my life, but there are also so many things I can’t wait for the proverbial ship to sail into the sunset with. Here’s a list of a few - because you good folks out there need to know you’re not alone!

1. Nighttime feedings - Oh sure, their faces are precious as they gaze into your eyes while they’re eating. But at 3am, it’s not nearly as charming. I know there will be a time when I will miss all of those feedings, but try telling me that at 3 in the morning when all my neighbours’ lights are out and the world is asleep - like I should be.

2. Diapers - I can’t wait for a time where there’s only one behind I need to take care of.

3. Whining - Does this ever really stop?

4. Repeating myself over and over again - There are only so many times I should have to remind another human being about the simplest of tasks. “Put your socks on, put your socks on, put your socks on” should not be my mantra.

5. Pizza sauce on the toilet seat - And everywhere else for that matter. My walls near the hand towels are dotted with remnants of various meals - clearly I need to work on handwashing a bit more. Sauce on the toilet seat though, that one takes the cake: a person shouldn’t have to wash their hands in order to use the toilet! Nor should I have to get up for the aforementioned 3am feeding to find last night’s now crusty supper in a perfectly-shaped hand print on the toilet seat.

6. Never being able to have a phone conversation - Why do the biggest dramas and catastrophes have to happen while I’m on the phone?

7. Never having quite enough time to get ready - There are days when I might have my shower at 7 in the morning but don’t quite have the time to brush my hair until supper. You can imagine how that might impact my overall appearance. Even worse, no one lets me know as I’m running out the door that I might need to check myself in the mirror… :)

Parenting definitely requires a good sense of humour, a bottomless fountain of patience and yes, some extra cleaning supplies.