Before And After Having Kids

Before Kids – I had a tiny apartment and little food and I was so happy to be on my own. I worked 2 jobs to pay for said apartment and food.  I hung out with friends and partied and generally enjoyed single status. I listened to my stereo at full tilt and my neighbors loved me for it.  I bought my 1^st car. 

After Kids – We live in a newer house with little food.  I have a full-time job and I did graduate from college, finally.  Bills are outrageous, but for the most part, we’re happy. The dog, the “Monster” (our other dog) and the cat drive us both nuts.  I still listen to music loud enough for my kid to tell me to turn it down. To which I reply “If it’s too loud, you’re too old!”

SLEEP

Before Kid – I slept as late as I could, especially on the weekends. Working 2 jobs, one in a bar, you’d often catch me asleep until 1:00-2:00pm in what my bestie and I referred to as the “Womb”. I had black sheets covering the window and a fan running full-blast – no outside interruptions. You couldn’t even tell what time of day it was.

After Kid – Now, even on the weekends, I usually wake up early.  The dogs are on a rigid schedule – or at least that’s what they tell me.  It’s my Little Darling you won’t see until the afternoon.

CLOTHES

Before Kid – I had more clothing than sense.  I bought whatever I wanted, when I wanted it. Paid top dollar for Victoria’s Secret; I didn’t have to wait for it to go on sale. 

After Kid – The fantastic wardrobe is now my Little Darling’s. She has more clothing than sense. I buy whatever she wants, basically when she wants it.  I won’t pay for VS – if she wants that, she’s on her own. 

HOUSE

Before Kid – I lived in, what I consider, the greatest city to live if you’re single – Cincinnati. There is literally always something going on. Concerts (in-door and outdoor), bars (see a theme here), festivals. I had a ton of friends and always someone to go somewhere with, or hang out.

After Kid – I moved back to Dayton, Ohio, when the Little Darling was 2 in order to go back to school.  Not a bad city if you’re single.  Not as much going on and people bitch if they have to drive more than 10 minutes anywhere.  I have friends, scattered, and don’t hang out as much as I would like.  

And I wouldn’t change the “After Kid” part for anything in the world. 

Written by: Allyson Johns