Because We Could All Use a Book With the Word "Sane" In the Title

Yesterday I told you about my friend Mary's new book,  A Sane Woman's Guide To Raising a Large Family (you can read my detailed review here).  Want to win an autographed copy?  Just leave a comment below, answering the following question:

What aspect of motherhood has surprised you the most?

(If you're not a mom yet, no worries, just tell us what aspect of motherhood you're looking forward to most.)

I'll draw a random winner on Thursday morning.  (U.S. mailing addresses only, please.) 

Comments

[Laura]

I've been most surprised by the number of time I have uttered the sentence "Good job- you hardly peed on the floor at all today!" tied with, "No honey. You have to take off ALL your clothes before you get in the shower".

[se7en]

I'm not local but I have to comment - so don't enter me! I was totally blown away by how much I love my kids. I never expected it to be so complete and for each of them. Completely different to any other love... Really unconditional love without any effort... There isn't the drag in it, just total all encompassing love!

[Jill]

Not coming from an overly affectionate family, I can't believe how many times a day I want to hug, kiss, and cuddle my children. Lucky for me their still little and haven't figured out they could push me away!

[Kelley]

I was totally surprised at how tired I could be - but still function b/c I loved them so much it didn't matter how tired I was.

And how much I could melt at a smile.

[joanna]

How much I like it.

I didn't want kids. My husband wanted "3 to 8". I laughed at him and told him two was my limit. Well, now we have 5 daughters (oldest is 7, youngest is almost 3 months old) and I just can't tell you how much I love it. It just goes to show how God knows you better than you know yourself.

[Lori]

I've been shocked by the number times I've had to tell my kids not to stick something in their (or the dog's) ears or nose.

[charlotte]

That it would be hard to get out of the kitchen. We have four kids and I feel like life is one big meal preparation/clean up. I wouldn't have it any other way.

The other thing is how fast it would go, I heard that all the time but I did not believe it. I want it to slow down.

[Alisha]

I don't have kids yet (hoping to start soon!), but I'm looking forward to just...meeting them. Seeing how a person can be made up of my husband and me and yet be absolutely his or her own self. I'm very curious about that.

[Leslie]

Clearly, I knew going in that having children would change my life. I don't think I realized how having them would change EVERYTHING. Until you are are in the thick of it I don't think you can get how having a child (or children) affects every single teeny tiny aspect of your life. And usually in ways that you don't expect or see coming.

[Melissa @ Drop The Baby Weight]

With a 3 year old, a 14-month old, and another one due in September, I have been shocked at just how much I have done in the last year on so little sleep... 5 hours a night max for over a year! Can't say I like that I don't get to sleep very much, but I am surprised at how little I need to do basic mothering!

[Bonnie]

How I am getting over my selfishness and how I find parts of mothering that bring me closer to God.

[MaryBeth @ FourSillySisters]

I always knew I'd love my kids, but I had no idea how great the job of "mom" would be! It is awesome, and I wouldn't trade a second of it..... even the meal prep, dirty laundry, snotty noses. The hugs, kisses, and snuggles more than make up for the bad stuff.

[sandy toe]

How emotionally draining it is~ especially as they get older~

Even after they are all in bed...you still are thinking and worrying about them.
sandy toe

[Pam @ Without Fear]

I think my most surprising transition now that everyone is school age is how much more mentally taxing the parenting has become. Toddlerhood is physically taxing, but I think the mental acuity is harder to come by. : )

BTW, thanks for hosting this giveaway and thanks to Mary as well.

[seussgirl]

I have 13-month-old twin boys, and I always expected them to be a lot of work. But I underestimated just how FUN they would be! How much JOY they would bring me. And how much I'd LOVE this!

[suburbancorrespondent]

I'm with joanna up there - how much I like it. My entire first pregnancy I worried I wouldn't like my own child.

[Narelle]

learning how to teach them...everything...and how much work it takes to have a tidy home!

[Kelly]

I think the thing that has surprised me the most is how busy motherhood is- I had visions of long days spent making bread and hours of reading books. Even though we keep activities outside of the home to a bare minimum, I'm still busy all day long- laundry, cooking and cleaning for a family of 5 takes a lot more time than I thought it would.

[suburbanmom]

I am surprised at the emotion of it all. Raising 3 children is amazing and the most difficult yet rewarding thing ever! So filled with contradictions. Never a dull moment!

[Jessica]

I am totally surprised by the fact that I wanted a large family. I have four and would still like to have more.

[Susan G.]

I knew I would love being a mom, but I am surprised I love it so much that we now have five children!

[Mama Hen]

How fast it would go by. That I would laugh so much. That such little things would bring so much joy. How quickly I can get angry at these children I love so much. It's all just a whirlwhind isn't it?

[Jessica]

I started out just wanting two kids. It has surprised me that I have recently changed my mind and have decided I wouldn't mind having 3-4 kids! Being a mom is a great purpose. My husband said "let's take it one kid at a time". I think it surprised him too!

[Cindy]

The thing that has surprised me the most is how selfless it has made me. I have seen how I can put my children before me. It has helped me in so many ways not only with my relationship with my children, but with everyone else as well.

[Kimberly]

I surprised most by how quickly my baby boys became young men. At 18 and 14 years old, they are becoming more and more independant. I want my babies back! Well, maybe in a few years, I'll get grandchildren.

[Megan]

Naive alert coming on: I thought it would be easier since I stay home with them. I thought relational issues would only be serious if I left them in someone else's care most of the day.

I was wrong.

[Lisa F]

I am surprised that even after 18+ years and 3 kids I loe them more every day.

[Rachel]

I am most surprised by how much they love one another. I always said I wanted to have "at least" three kids so they could play together. I had my third almost a year ago and sure enough, they love each so much its amazing. It also makes my job easier because they keep each toher busy. I definitely would love it if the Lord gave me a few more :)

[Suzanne]

I am surprised that I let my son play with my cell phone. I never thought that would happen. he he

[Victoria]

I knew parenting would be a full time job. I just didn't realize HOW FULL TIME it really is! Even when everyone is in bed you are still thinking about your next move!

[emily]

navigating the tricky waters of helping my daughter make friends and relate to them well.

[Jill]

I was surpised at how heart breaking mothering can be. How you heart almost tears in half when other kids are mean to your child, or when your child is sick and you just weep for them. It's like living with your heart outside your body as a mother. Wonderful and Terrifying at the same time.

[Becca @ the Stanley Clan]

How TIRED I would be. But also how happy. And that everything she does is cute :-)

[takemetomaui]

I am surprised at how God can take the little moments, the simplest of comments from one of my kids, and completely change my heart with it. I am a newlywed and have inherited four more kids in addition to my own two. I can't believe how much work it is!!!

[RLR]

I was completely amazed by how my 9 to 5 job was knocked down a few spots on my priority list the MOMENT the pregnancy test came back positive. I NEVER imagined myself as a SAHM, but I'm so fortunate that I have the opportunity to be home (or at preschool, the park, or playdates) with my kids. Yes, that job went WAY down in the rankings!

[Sharon]

I have learned more from my daughter in her short eight years than I have learned in all of my life. She has taught me that time has no emergency brake. Before having her, I was a bit on the OCD side when it came to my house and everything being "so perfect". I have learned that the dishes will be there later, the laundry can be folded after her bedtime, and some of our most precious moments are when we are watching our children and they don't even know it.

[Lisa Nall]

I was surprised at how different they are. I have a 10 year old girl and a 12 year old boy. They are night and day in every way.

[Kristin]

How incredibly strong my love would be...I was not a baby person and I didn't realize how much I would love my own babies. That and how angry you can get too! :(

[Gretchen nelson]

How hard it can be. But yet how one hug, one kiss, or one little "I love you", can make me forget all that hard work and be so thankful that I have the best job in the world!

Gretchen N.
gretnel@hotmail.com

[Lynn]

Nothing prepared me for parenting a middle schooler. I've been surprised at how much of the crummy stuff I had buried in my own past, has been drug back in front of me as my son goes through middle school and I watch and remember.

I've also been wonderfully delighted now that I understand what it means to love three different people sooooooo much. But yet, I do love them all differently.

[Angie]

How much fun boys are! Being a really girly girl, and an only child, I just didn't know what I would do with a boy--let alone three! Four, if you count the one I married, which is often the biggest ringleader of them all! ;) But they are so great, and I thank God for them every day!!!

[Kari]

This one is so hard because most of motherhood has surprised me. One aspect that has shocked me is how you can have these set ideals on issues, parenting, or anything that might possibly have to do with your family, but when you have that little one in your arms, things start to change. Deep held beliefs become something you really think about and look at differently.

For me it was an entire world shattering change. My faith became much deeper and I gained new understanding of my Heavenly Father. My views on "those" parents who did things such as cloth diaper, stopped using plastic, and so on changed from "hippie freak" to "pretty smart people". My views on medical advice changed from "the doctor is always right" to "I want a partner in my children's healthcare, one who listens to me and takes my thoughts seriously". My views on medicines went from "if it hurts, take a pill, why live with discomfort" to "this isn't so bad really, let's wait and see or take a homeopathic item that works just as good". The list goes on and on and on and on. My children have changed our worlds completely. Our lives look nothing like they did just a few years ago. And praise God for that!!!

[Tracye]

It may sound dumb, but what surprises me is how much time I can pass just staring at my kids and thinking how unbelievably beautiful they are, and how blessed I am to have them.

I also LOVE watching their relationship with each other grow.

[Bailey's Leaf]

That I would get so blasted weepy about everything regarding different things with my child. She turns 5? I cry. Dentist tells me I have to take her for a root canal (just this past Friday's post), I cry. She sings in front of church. I cry.

When we picked her up at the hospital, they gave us many things, but they forgot to include the lifetime supply of Kleenex!

[Emily]

I've worked with children for a long time and even have a degree in early childhood education, so I was expecting motherhood to be sleep depriving and very challenging from my previous experiences. However, I was pleasantly surprised to get a wonderful sleeper and happy baby boy! I'm loving every second!

[Trisha]

I was surprised by how completely in love I am with my son. It is the fiercest love I have ever felt and it points me to God. How much more he loves me...it's hard to imagine!

[rrmama]

I knew I would love having kids but when I held both of my boys that over whelming feeling of how much my heart was swelling with love! I couldn't believe how much I loved someone I had just met. I finally understood how my parents felt after all of those years. I fall more in love with each day. And yes there are days that I want to lock my self in the closet and hide from them but I love them no matter what!

[Melanie]

I'm surprised that I am OK with "just being a mom." I always thought I'd be a big career woman in some form. Giving that up doesn't even feel like I've given up anything. I've gained an entirely new career and place in life that is so much more fulfilling than I'd imagined.

[We are THAT family]

I'm surprised at HOW WELL I know my kids. I DO have eyes in the back of my head now (just like my Mom). Also, the love for them. It is fierce. And fair.

[Jennifer P.]

I have been surprised at how totally, incredibly different our five kids can be from the same two parents!! They have their simmilarities, but the differences in their personalities has been so fun!

Also, I have been told but hadn't experienced the surprise at how fast time seems to go while raising them. You can feel in the thick of it everyday, but turn around and another month or year has gone by!!

[llama Momma]

All of the sorting of clothes. Nobody warned me!! I should have gotten blue tubs and sharpies at my baby shower...

[faith]

Wow...this could be an entire post, but I'll try to keep it brief....

My biggest surprise was how selfish I didn't realize I was (and how much I've had to get over that...haha) and next would be the stress.

Another biggie was how long it took for me to get attached to some of them (I'm a foster mom and I guess I figured on instant attachment but either I'm weird or it doesn't work that way...maybe both. HA)

[Marni]

I was surprised at the potential for my own rage, my own apathy, my own feelings of total failure and actual failure. I hate not succeeding, or at least feeling like I haven't. I didn't expect any of that.

[Keri]

There are so many things that surprised me -- and continue to surprise me. The fact that each of our four children are so uniquely their own even though they have the same parents and are raised in the same environment continually surprises me.

[Marla Taviano]

I'm in awe that there are these incredible little people who didn't even exist a few years ago.

[No No Nanette]

It surprises me how much I can absolutely enjoy it, and how much it can terribly frustrate me from minute to minute.

and also, how much love my heart is able to give and receive. There is just so much love.

[Amy Andrews]

That it would throw me for such a ginormous loop!

[Tammy W.]

I don't know that anything has surprised me, per se, from years of working with children. But there's a big difference between knowing what kids are like, and having your own children who are a part of yourself. I know I love them fiercely.

[Jeannette]

I am surprised at how selfish I am, and also how much more mercy I want to give vs. justice (I am more of a soft-y than I thought I would be).

[rachel]

that I would want to do it again and again

[LeAnna]

My son turns 10 weeks old today. I would have to say I was completely surprised at how hard that first month was, but then how soon your forget the difficulty. There for a while I was pretty sure he was destined to be an only child, but you do forget those first sleepless weeks, and pretty soon a new normal is underway. Then, you blink, and your sweet baby is a year old...

[Heather]

There are parts of momming I never thought I would be good at and I am actually ok at. And there are parts I thought I would be great at and I am really really terrible at. Like homework. I am terrible at school organization...and I am a teacher. Argh.

[Rebecca]

I am shocked at how sentimental I have become. I won't throw out my bottle of baby laundry detergen that has been sitting in the cabinet (almost empty) for months!

[Sarah W]

I have two kids but eventually want four. I am surprised by how many people think my husband and I are crazy. I genuinely love being a mom, as well, and think everyone should have the amount of kids they desire. But I am surprised by the crazy looks and comments I get.
And the other thing that surprises me is how moms of 3+ children say that there is little grace for them. Like how someone with 1 child who throws a fit is just in a bad stage. But a mom with 6 six kids, well, she does not give her children enough attention. I have not experienced that yet, but have heard others talk about it!

[My Twenty Cents Keeps Moving]

Having to tell my kids things like:

don't put jell-o on your eye
don't put your hair in your drink
...

These are things you would think they would know, yet they don't.

Leslie

[Jordan (MamaBlogga)]

How hard it is at first, and how it gets easier and harder as time goes on.

How quickly they forgive when you lose your temper.

[Princess Leia]

Since baby #2 has come along, I've been amazed at how distinct their personalities are from the very beginning - and how little of it has to do with their parents! My little man (2) is the sweetest boy in the whole world, and my little girl (3 mo) just exudes possibility. Neither of those things was taught by us, that's for sure!

[jill]

Initially, it was how much I valued sleep. I was shocked at how much a newborn needed me and how much sleep that caused me to loose. Before kids, I never thought about how much sleep I wanted or needed. I just slept when I was tired... or if I didn't get enough sleep, I'd take a nap after work. Alas, no longer tis true!

[Wendy]

I am surprised at how fast the time seems to go by... my baby that was just born yesterday will be 10 this year! And by how MUCH I love my kids...

[Missy]

How HARD it is! After many years of infertility you kind of get this picture in your mind of pure bliss once you have children. I suppose it doesn't help that God gave us 2 babies in 14 months. And even though alot of days I wouldn't describe it as pure bliss, it's been the most amazing experience I could ever have! Thanks for the giveaway!

[Joni Casteel]

c

[Kristie]

I am surprised by how much of a push-over mom I can be. I always thought I would be strict, but I have to really focus on being firm, consistent and sticking to my guns.

[Joni Casteel]

Sorry about the other post. I had trouble.

The wonderous joy of watching them grow. Hearing their views of life.
Wanting so much for them as adults.
Sharing their sorrows as they grow.
Sharing their successes.
It is a wounderous trip!

[Keren]

I've been surprised at how much fun infants are! I thought my little girl wouldn't be much fun until she was 2, but if 2 is anything like the past 14 months, I am going to love it!

I'm also surprised that it is not as "hard" or "horrible" as everyone told me before she was born. (Same with marriage. :)) Children are truly blessings!

[Tina]

I am still surprised how the days seem SO LONG, yet how fast it's going! My "baby" is 3 already?!?

[Jessica]

As an only child, I have been so thrilled to see the friendship develop between my three daughters. They will have a bond so special...I pray it will only grow throughout their lives!

[Mary Kay]

I am surprised how mentally challenging motherhood is. I mean, I knew it would be physically difficult...I just never knew there would be so much figuring out, asking every mother around me to learn more, decifering of motives, and of course, the constant praying and praying for wisdom and the stamina to stay engaged (and sane!) :-)

[Sandra]

The amount of laundry. :)

[Erin]

I am most surprised at the fact that I say things my mom and dad both used to say, when I swore I would NEVER utter those sentences when I was a mother.

[Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect]

Two things, although they're related. First, how quickly I forgive and forget. It's not like me to be so gracious, but with my daughter, I can't help it. I just love her so much! (Now WHY can't I extend that same grace to my husband, my mother and everyone else in my life???) And second, I've been surprised at the insight motherhood has given me into God's love for us. I thought I understood before. And now I realize that I have NO IDEA how much God loves us - but I'm beginning to understand better...!

[Fatima]

It has been pleasantly surprising to learn just how wonderful it is to give myself to the care of my family. God has used the experiences of motherhood to make me a bit less selfish. With each challenge (and there are many, aren't there?) I have grown, learned, and been richly rewarded. I had no idea how hard it would be or how much it would change me.

[Lesley]

I am surprised that I enjoy it so much. It sounds awful, but I am a realistic person. I thought it would be all hard work (which it is, but so much fun at the same time.)

[Nicole @ Here's The Diehl]

I can't believe how exhausted I am at the end of the day!

[Tay Gudmundson]

I was surprised by how EARLY their personalities are shown and how different it is from anybody else's. I guess I always thought that babies were of similar dispositions until about 2yo. Boy was I wrong.

[Sarah K]

I think I've been most surprised by the amount of humor involved in being a parent. My daughter has a way of forcing a laugh out of me at even the most aggravating of times.

[Alisha]

completely surprised at how any little accomplishment my son has I'm ready to tell it on the mountain. I'm bursting with pride and joy. It was the most exciting EVER yesterday when he started trying to sing with me. Love it!

[Amy]

I had no idea how much I'd adore each of my children, or how thankful I would be to have each of them. Or how rewarding it is to be a mom!

[Denise]

I'm the mother of seven children and I thought it would get easier as they got older. With four married now, I actually find myself missing the days of toddlers running around. The problems my children face now seem so much more serious and I miss the problems of skinned knees and runny noses that could be fixed with a band-aid, kleenex, and lots of love. Of course, lots of love still helps. To mothers of littles - enjoy this time. They really DO grow up fast.

[Sarah @ Short Stop]

Sleep deprivation. I had NO IDEA I would long for my bed, cry at the thought of leaving my bed, and sit on the edge of my bed begging the little creature sleeping in the bassinette next to me to please stop crying.

Sleep. Oh, how I miss thee.

(Thanks for the giveaway. I love Mary. She's all heart.)

[Jenn W]

Surprisingly, the thing that's surprised me most is how consistent you have to be (and how hard that can be!). I've worked with kids since I was old enough to and I was raised in a great home AND I used to be a teacher, so I'm no push-over! ;) But it can be really hard not to "let it slide" just once...because that ONE time can undo all the other times that you didn't let it slide!

[Kellie]

I've been surprised by how isolating it is. I envisioned more time having get togethers and playtimes with my other mommy friends. However, I didn't realize how much "free time" babies have - between all the naps and feedings, and then solid food meals. I absolutely love being a mama, but it is more isolating than I expected.

[Amy]

I have been surprised at how someone like me, who has always HAD to have at least 8 hours of sleep, can learn to function at much less than that, and be okay with it.

I'm perpetually tired, but know that one day I will look back on these crazy, hectic days (and nights) and be sad at how short they were. These are the best days of my life!

[Diane]

I'm surprised that motherhood doesn't end when they grow up and move out on their own. It's wonderfully forever!

[jenni at talking hairdryer]

I'm surprised by how fast the time goes. When the twins were born, I wondered how we would make it to potty training. Now, we're staring Kindergarten straight in the eyes. And my 9 year old will be taller than me soon!

[Christina Wieters]

I was told how fast time goes, but I didn't know it would increase exponentially as the kids got older. We have 7. As the oldest drives and the youngest is going through potty training, I am amazed at how fast time goes.
I love watching my kids enjoy each other. When my oldest son tickles the two year old, and my oldest daughter voluntarily is reading through a book with the two younger boys - what a Mom thrill!

[Ashley]

I'm so amazed at how much love I have for this tiny person that I've just met. And I can't believe how much sleep I'm not getting!

[Sheila]

To be truthful, I've simply been surprised by how hard it is. :)

[Denise]

Being a mom totally changed my life. My girls are growing up so fast I just want to stop time.

[Tiffani]

I agree with others about how fast it goes by. When you're in the middle of diapers and sippy cups you think it will never end and then all of a sudden it does and you're surprised at how much you miss those diapers and sippy cups.

[MM]

This is like asking an artist what his/her favorite color is. How on earth can I narrow it down to ONE? :-)

I think I'm mostly surprised by how much God is teaching me through my son. You go into parenthood thinking you'll impart all the things you've learned over the years into this little human being. But in fact, it's been the opposite for me. God uses my son to teach me something amazing every day. It's been very humbling.

I think another surprise is how much I LIKE my kid. You know going into it that you'll LOVE your child, but it's been a surprise to me that I just genuinely like his company. He's smart, he's funny, he's engaging, he's a chatterbox, he adores me. Granted, he's only 19 months old, but seriously...what's not to like?