Confessions of a new mom

I must confess... I did not plan baby T. If you know me in person, you know how absolutely comical it would be if I did, considering who her biological father is. Can you tell I am a single mom, with my careful use of the words bio dad?! I am smiling because although I did not knowingly plan for the birth of my daughter the way that may women and couples do, I knew before she arrived that she was on her way all along.

Now that she is here, live and in colour, it’s almost hard to imagine what life was like without her — almost. While I can accomplish just about everything I did before I had children, there are some things that do absolutely require a babysitter.

I admit, nearly 7 months postpartum I am not ready. Not ready to order the smoke alarm hidden nanny cams, not ready to interview babysitters. It could be because I worked in private homes for so long, and know the seedy underbelly of what can go on when you are away from home. It could also be because I have a fierceness about me now as a mom, that I did not know in my everyday waking life prior to babe. That tough, take no shit woman existed, sure; but now she is up and running everyday.

As a single mom finally wanting to date, the idea of leaving my child alone with a stranger so I can meet a stranger is a big one. A solid legit connection has to be established if I am going to hire a babysitter to meet you! When you don’t have children you really do take for granted how quickly you are able to get things done. It is nothing to grab your wallet, keys and phone and hop out the door to meet someone for a quick cup.

Finding new and exciting ways to keep baby (and you) entertained can feel a bit like a chore at times too, let’s be honest. At least there will always and forever be “let’s play outside.” We can all do with a little more sunshine and fresh air in our lives.