Life as a New Mom: M is for Maternal Instinct

I never knew that motherhood came with its own superpowers. After an accident this morning, I realized Superman ain't got nothing on me. 

Becoming a mother changes you in so many ways: your body, your sleep habits, your patience, your priorities. I knew these changes would happen, but I totally underestimated the power of maternal instinct. It's like I developed a superhero sixth sense when it comes to protecting my baby.

I held Dolly in my arms this morning as we walked to my car. I slipped on a wet pile of leaves and my feet came flying out from under me. I realized I was falling, and I instantly contorted my body so that my daughter would be safe. I broke my fall on my right wrist and ankle, somehow managing to never let go of my baby girl. I didn't even have a chance to think about it--my maternal instinct took over.

Can we talk about how beautiful my daughter is? Just look at her eyes. I can't even, y'all.

Exhibit B: My SuperMommy powers also kicked in a few weeks ago. Dolly and I were playing in her nursery when, out of nowhere, this ridiculously HUGE spider just descended from the ceiling. I killed it WITH MY BARE HANDS.

This is coming from someone who is terrified of spiders. I see one and NOPE my way out of there, calling in the hubs to take care of the dirty work. But there we were, in my daughter's nursery when the Boss Hogg of spiders dangled from the ceiling and got closer and closer to my baby's head. I straight up yanked that spider off his web trail and smashed him between my two hands, because NO ONE messes with my child.

My maternal instinct just gets stronger with time. I have always slept with a fan on in my bedroom (love me some white noise), and I stopped doing so briefly after Dolly was born. Now I can sleep with my box fan on at full blast and still wake up every time I hear my baby whimper. It's like being Wonder Woman, only sans spandex and 70's hair.

I'm still learning how to be a good mother. I spend far too much time worrying about toddler meal plans, temper tantrums, and childproofing the house. I still make plenty of mistakes, but it's good to know that when things GET REAL, my maternal instincts will take care of business so  I can take care of my girl.

*This edition of Life as a New Mom comes with bonus video! Check out how much fun Dolly had at the park last week. Only watch if you think your browser can process an insane amount of CUTE.