There are so many things that people will tell you when you get pregnant. Things about getting enough rest (both you and your children), proper techniques for this or that, breastfeeding tips, car seat safety, the pros of baby wearing, the cons of… well, lots of things. Some links contain affiliates, all opinions are my own.

With all the advice that I got (most of which I took with a smile, nod, and  a grain of salt), I wish that someone had told me these two things: (1) How exhausting it is to attempt to do anything “fun” with your littles in tow; and (2) How much more exciting it is to do anything “fun” with your littles in tow.

Skirt (similar) // Shoes (similar) // Belt (similar)

Let me share an example.

Living for 20+ years in Orange County I practically grew up at Disneyland and it felt like a second home to me. Nothing was more fun then running around the park for a couple hours with family or friends. As I got older I dreamed about taking my own family to the park and giving them those same fun memories. I remember the first time we took our children to Disneyland a couple years ago. My son was 4 years old and just barely tall enough to go on Big Thunder Mountain. Going on that ride with him and seeing the pure exhilaration on his face as we whipped around corners, his little hands thrown up in the air, laughing hysterically, is a moment I will never forget. I remember thinking that this was the most fun I had ever had at Disneyland.

But anyone with children will tell you that there is so much more work involved in going anywhere with children. Maybe with one child it’s not as tedious, but add a second, third, then fourth child? You begin to feel a little like a pack mule. I mean, everyone needs water, everyone needs snacks, there are diapers, sunscreen, a camera for all those magical Big Thunder moments… does anyone need a sweatshirt? What about a change of clothes for anyone who might be potty training? Constant bathroom breaks and stops for  shoe ties.

Basically, you will never get something done “really quickly” again. A stop at the store for a single item becomes an Everest expedition and you start wondering if you really even need to drag all four of your children to the store for toilet paper or if you can do without for awhile. Seriously, motherhood is the most physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting thing I’ve ever done.

It’s funny how it works out that way, that having kids will be the most wonderful, but also the most exhausting thing that will ever happen to you.

By the way, today I’m excited to be joining in on Mommy Style Monday with several other lovely bloggers who are all sharing their own thoughts on what they wish they’d known about motherhood. Kiana from Glitter and Doughnuts and Madeline from CaseyLand  are the wonderful masterminds behind this collaboration and it’s lots of fun! If you’d like to participate you can hop over to one of their blogs and fill out the form. And don’t forget to peruse this posts as well:

What’s something you had wish someone had told you about motherhood?