You never want to admit you’ve become that person. And before you become that person you never think it will happen to you. And then one day it dawns on you, having kids has in fact changed a few things about you. For some people this will hit them harder than others. As for me, I’m taking it all in stride and embracing the changes.

I’m sure every person has their own list of things they stopped caring about after having kids, these just happen to be the ones that particularly stick out for me. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of certain things. But sometimes you just have to realize, it’s okay! If you’re surviving each day with your kids, you’re winning. If anything, I hope this helps you feel like you’re not alone in this whole parenting thing.

Here are the 5 things I stopped caring about after having kids:

#1 EXPOSED BOOBS

Starting from day one, kid one, in the hospital. When you’re learning how to nurse, while friends and family want to visit you and the new babe, there’s just no way around it. After that, your inhibitions are lowered and it’s more about sustaining your newborn than being modest. I’m not saying I became one of those women that will just whip them out at a restaurant (though more power to them), I’m just saying that concern becomes very low on the priority list. For me at least.

#2 SUCKING IT IN

As I stared at my belly in a somewhat fitted shirt, I realized I could easily pass for being 3 months pregnant… even though it’s been a year and a half since I was carrying a baby around in there. Then I remembered this amazing trick I used to do, and I sucked my gut in. Revelation! I can actually make my stomach look somewhat flat again if I just suck it in. Another revelation! That requires both a) remembering, and b) having the energy to do that. And since I obviously haven’t had time or energy to shed the baby weight, my waistline is much lower on the priority list than it used to be. If it’s one of those days I feel it necessary to smooth the bulges, I throw this on and call it good. But that’s just me.

#3 LEAVING THE HOUSE IN ORDER

Not saying that I was always perfect at this before, but I would always make a concerted effort to do the dishes, tidy up, or make the bed before I left the house. But now? I can’t even remember if I’m wearing a bra when I leave the house, much less worry about making the bed . There is a VERY narrow window where errands can happen on the weekends. If you don’t strike while the iron’s hot, all of a sudden it’s nap time again, or meal time again, or 10pm again. That dish will be there when you get back, and you can wash it at 10pm. But you can’t go to the grocery store at 10pm. At least I wouldn’t want to.

#4 MY PRIDE

I really couldn’t care less if I leave the store and realize my 5 year old daughter did my hair instead of me. Or if I get home from work to find the Dora sticker that was in the middle of my shirt the whole day. There are tons of parents out there that take parenthood gracefully. I know those people. They can have witty banter about current events and culture without bringing up the subject of poop. Hats off to you!

#5 SLEEP

This is the one that surprised me the most. I have always been a sleeper, love the stuff… like I could sleep ’til noon with no problem. But as I described in The Best and Worst of Why I Nursed, I cherished, and even miss, those middle of the night feedings when the world is quiet and it’s just you and your babe. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy my time with my pillow. But now I enjoy what I’m doing when I’m not sleeping so much more.