An Ode To Motherhood

Before I was a mommy, my ideal evening was dinner at a new restaurant and catching up with good friends. Now with my baby weight clinging to me like slutty clothes to Lindsay Lohan, and an inability to stay awake past 8:30 p.m., nights out have lost their allure. I am now powerless to talk about anything other than kid-related topics.

Before I was a mommy, Sundays meant reading The New York Times and watching “60 Minutes” at night. Now my version of current affairs is keeping up with the Kardashians. I’ve traded “Dateline” for Barney and Kings of Leon for the Fresh Beat Band. Most of the time I find out about breaking world news from reading my friends’ Facebook updates on my phone while trying to sneak breakfast food into my toddler’s mouth.

Before I was a mommy, I would exercise five days a week religiously. Now my new uniform is those Lululemon workout pants that make everyone look 10 pounds thinner without actually needing to go to the gym. If I lived outside of Manhattan I’m sure I’d be sporting a terry cloth robe and a coffee mug that says something like “Sleep Is Overrated” or “Mommy Needs Coffee.”

Before I was a mommy, I used to be great at maintaining relationships with friends near and far. Now keeping in touch means I run into you on the street, in Planet Kids or I see your updates on Facebook. I no longer have a sympathetic ear for most non-parenting related issues. Sorry single friends, I know dating is really hard but so is potty training. Your boss is a poor communicator? Try working with a teething toddler seven days a week. But tell me your kid regularly gets up at 4 a.m. and I can commiserate with you for hours.

Before I was a mommy, I used to think multi-tasking was doing two things at once. Now I know that anything less than three actions at once is for the childless. Look at any Manhattan mom on the street. She, like me, is no doubt pushing a stroller while shopping, talking on the phone, and getting a snack for her kid. This is actually the test you have to take before they’ll sell you a Bugaboo. Bonus points for moms of twins or those who include texting in the mix.

Before I was a mommy, I used to be a typical Type A-get-things-done kind of girl. Now I have perma-“mommy brain,” and will almost assuredly forget something you may have just told me five minutes ago. You know what that’s all about? That’s your lips moving while my mind is thinking, “What am I going to make for dinner? Is Gabe’s next doctor’s appointment Thursday or Friday? Do I have time to go to the supermarket and also pick up that birthday gift before I have to be home for Max’s nap?”

Before I was a mommy, I had “me” time in abundance. Now with a baby and a toddler, what used to pass as free time with one kid is just about obliterated with two. When I text you back LMK for Let Me Know it’s not because I’m trying to be hip, it’s because that’s all I have time to type before my oldest wants to play First Words on my iPhone. I actually had to choose the other day between replacing a roll of toilet paper and brushing my teeth and I’m not going to say which one won.

Before I was a mommy I used to think multi-tasking was doing two things at once. Now I know that anything less than three actions at once is for the childless.

Before I was a mommy, I never realized how much better my life was going to be with my two boys. Now it’s as though the sheer force of love I have for my two boys has forced all the other stuff out of my brain. No room left for minutiae. Everything I used to care about no longer matters. I’m living in Happily Ever After. r

Robin Saks Frankel is the founder of Crib Notes, a free monthly e-newsletter for parents of kids ages 0 to 3, and Facebook’s “The Greatest Friday Playgroup Ever!,” a weekly playgroup for uptown moms.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp

<p>Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp is devoted to celebrating the joys of childhood. Our enthusiastic and compassionate staff are dedicated to providing a memorable, safe, and fun summer experience where children pursue passions while gaining new experiences. Our thoughtful, age appropriate programming enables children to grow as individuals and make lifelong friendships.</p> <p>This Summer, we believe kids need camp more than ever!</p> <p>More friendships than ever!</p> <p>More community building than ever!</p> <p>More connection making than ever!</p> <p>More activities than ever!</p> <p>More joy than ever!</p> <p>More ruach (spirit) than ever!</p> <p>More camp magic than ever! </p> <p>More FUN THAN EVER! </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Who We Are</strong></p> <p>Rodeph Sholom School Day Camp engages children <strong>ages Three through 6th Grade</strong> through experiences that help build a positive sense of self, strong peer relationships, skill development in a range of areas, exposure to new and existing passions.</p> <p>We are a strong community that celebrates each individual. Our camp feels like home to all of our campers and staff.</p> <p><strong>Our Mission</strong></p> <p>Our strong culture and community allows each child to discover new passions, create life-long friendships, and find a strong sense of belonging</p> <p><strong>Pursuit of Passion Elective Program</strong></p> <p>All of our rising 1st through 6th graders will have a two-hour long elective period daily, which is a chance to pursue an old or new passion. At the beginning of each two week session, campers have a chance to sign up for their Pursuit of Passion elective, or if they’d like, they can sign up for a mix of two passions to explore. After their Pursuit of Passion period ends in the morning, campers will return to their bunk group for a day full of sports, arts, swim, and more.</p> <p><strong>Possible Pursuits of Passion programs include:</strong></p> <p>- Sports (Floor Hockey, Soccer, Basketball, Skateboarding, Gymnastics, etc.)</p> <p>- Chess</p> <p>- Woodworking</p> <p>- Studio Arts</p> <p>- Hebrew</p> <p>- Performance Arts</p> <p>- Music (Rock band, DJing, Acapella)</p> <p>- Cooking</p> <p>- Business and Debate</p> <p>- Outdoor Adventure</p> <p>- Architecture</p> <p>- STEM Based Programming</p>

Camps 'R' Us

<p>Camps 'R' Us is celebrating its 31st anniversary and it is widely considered the most affordable private day camp on Long Island. The program is family owned and operated, accredited by the American Camp Association, and has 11 campuses across the island, so chances are, there’s one near you. </p> <p>Campers love their amazing activities. Parents love the flexible scheduling, convenient hours, great payment options, and especially the peace of mind they get knowing their children are being taken care of in a safe, nurturing environment.  </p> <p>At Camps ‘R’ Us, they strive to provide the very best summer day camp experience available, with award-winning activities and programming, including Sports, Arts & Crafts, Gaming, Ga Ga, Go Karts, Swimming, Trips, Special Events and much more. Their campuses are hosted by some of the top private schools on Long Island and feature premier indoor and outdoor facilities and equipment. Their highly experienced and expertly trained Staff are among the best and brightest in camping. Combine that with unique affordability, and Camps ‘R’ Us has earned a reputation as one of the best summer camps on Long Island!</p> <p>Camps R Us Locations in Baldwin, Bellmore, Deer Park, East Rockaway, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Kings Park, St. James, Syosset, and Williston Park.</p>

OASIS DAY CAMP DOBBS FERRY - Westchester

<p class="MsoNormal">Oasis in Dobbs Ferry is an affordable premier Westchester day camp located on the beautiful Mercy College campus overlooking the Hudson. Children, ages 3 to 16, are invited to take part in activities centered around sports, the arts, nature, daily instructional and recreational swimming, and most importantly, social emotional growth. Offering a variety of camp experiences,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oasis in Dobbs Ferry has something for everyone! The traditional summer camp program includes children grades K-6, Teen Travel & Jr. Teen Travel programs, as well as an ESIC (Early Start Imagination Camp) for the newest campers, ages 3-5. Oasis in Dobbs Ferry is a place to experience amazing summers & make lifelong friends!</p>