I knew my life would change forever when I had Claire but it is hard to completely understand until it actually happens!! I definitely think I have adjusted to motherhood well and I would never change a thing. I LOVE being Claire's mother. Besides the adjusting to motherhood I have also had to adjust to the world around me. One of the hardest things is going out and about with a baby. You can't just go out an run a million errands anymore, you have to pick the very most important things and do only a few things in an outing. I have always been a pretty organized and multitasking person but it has gone to a whole new level. I actually enjoy the challenge though!! :)
I also feel like I have been turned into a disabled person as well. Getting around with a baby can be quite a challenge in stores and restaurants. Do you take a stroller or do you use the shopping cart or do you just carry the baby in her car seat/carrier (which has become very HEAVY). Claire and I visited the UF bookstore a couple weeks ago and it was quite the experience. We had to park in the parking garage then take the elevator up to the bookstore then we wanted to get daddy a shirt so we had to go to the second level of the bookstore. We went up in one elevator but that took us to another level of the Reitz Union not to the second level of the bookstore. We had to go back down and then find our way to the hidden elevator in the back corner of the store. Once I get in the elevator forget about anyone getting in with us because we take up the entire thing with the stroller. It can get awkward when others want to get on or off the elevator. All of this is nothing compared to going to the bathroom. Does the bathroom have a changing table? Most all places do have a changing table but do they have a hook to hang your diaper bag? No!! Also they usually place the changing table in the worst places. Like between two stalls that open out into the table or right by the bathroom door so people walk right into you. Really people!? I hate to say it but these things are probably thought out by men, not moms with babies!! Please check it out when you are out and about, you will be surprised. Let's don't even get started on the germs on the changing tables, even with a paper barrier it is disgusting!! Actually I have been most impressed with Walmart they actually had a changing table, hook and had enough room around the changing table. Although, I prefer changing Claire in the back of my SUV. I can just open the back lay her on the floor and have plenty of room and no extra germs. It may be completely tacky but I really don't care! So once the baby is changed what if mommy needs to use the bathroom? Can you fit baby and stroller in handicapped stall? That rarely works and some places don't even have a handicapped stall!! I have had to leave Claire outside of the stall while I use the bathroom REALLY FAST!! Last time I did this when I flushed the toilet it scared Claire to death she immediately started crying hysterically, alligator tears and all!! Poor baby!! Needless to say I totally understand what handicapped people go through now and have a great appreciation for my good health!!
