A lot of things go by the wayside during early motherhood: Time for hobbies. Personal grooming. Elaborate home-cooked meals. Even some friendships. But as I emerge from the long tunnel of parenting a baby, some things are swinging back to normal. While I still have to prioritize like never before, I can count on a couple hours most evenings to indulge my selfish whims.
But the other day, as I unwittingly hummed a Ke$ha song while shuttling Little Y to storytime, I realized I’ve yet to recapture a big part of my pre-baby self: music lover. Years ago, I took a lot of pride in keeping my music library fresh and full of bands I’d found through long, meandering iTunes searches or friends with similar tastes. In fact, when we began dating, my now-husband accused me of being a music snob. And he was probably right.
Now? Well, now I couldn’t tell you about any buzz-worthy indie bands if my life depended on it. I know whatever is on the Top 40 stations – which sadly does include Ke$ha – and I can sing Little Y a rousing rendition of “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Meanwhile, my music library hasn’t been updated in a solid 18 months.
I don’t see this changing any time soon. Yes, I get some “me time” – but after using it to clean, shower, do some freelancing, and maybe have a conversation that may or may not involve full sentences with Papa Y, scouring iTunes for new music doesn’t even sound appealing.
I’m going to see if I can make a few minor changes stick – more Pandora and less TV while I’m vegging in the evenings, for instance. I may even mess with the radio presets in the car, much to Papa Y’s chagrin. But I know I’ll never recapture the glory of my child-free years, when every minor episode of life had its own soundtrack.
Have you kissed any parts of your pre-baby self goodbye?
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
I agree! I have made a few changes like putting on music while at home and it helps a lot! I also find I’m more productive if the TV isn’t on
kiwi / 538 posts
I work for SIRIUS XM and probably listen to the radio for 8 hours a day so I’m still pretty “hip” on the new music :). I miss going to movies. We probably went at least once a month pre-baby and now it’s just way too expensive w/getting a sitter (we don’t have any family nearby). Thankfully stuff comes on on OnDemand pretty quickly these days but I feel like “Skyfall” isn’t going to be the same in my family room as it would be in the real theater!
coconut / 8498 posts
Yes! I think about how sad my music collection has gotten so often. I too was a music snob, but I find myself sticking to top 40 because it’s everywhere. So sad.
blogger / pineapple / 12381 posts
So timely! I just noticed the other day that I haven’t been keeping up on the Indie Pop scene for the last two years. So now, when I take Lala to school we listen to music on the local Indie station instead of NPR. She loves it and it means I don’t have to listen to kids music!
blogger / persimmon / 1398 posts
I’ve said goodbye to a lot of my crafting. I get a little sad about that, especially around this time of year, as I’m buying most of my presents. Pre-kiddo, I made most, if not all! Maybe I’ll get back into it when my little is in high-school and I’m waiting up for him?!