

Let’s be honest some of the stuff our children put us through is pretty gross – like that time I had to scoop poop out of the bath with a never-to-be-used-again salad bowl, or when my precious baby boy decided to projectile pee all over my new jumper while I was half way through changing him at 2am. Since having kids I’ve done a whole lot of things I never imagined yet somehow the ick factor is totally overridden by my all-consuming love for them. Here are some of the things I’ve done that demonstrate my adoration, stamina and strong stomach.
1. Picked boogers from blocked noses.
I have become a skilled gold digger and not in the I-married-a-ninety-year-old-billionaire-because-I-really-love-him-and-he-has-a-yacht way. There is a certain satisfaction that comes with grabbing the hard tail of a booger and pulling it out of your child’s nostril so they can breathe easier. She digs, she scores!
2. Hand washed their favourite toy.
A friend recently told me that handwashing is a swear word in her house. I concur, which is probably why my expensive woollens look like cotton-blend after only a month.
My 3.5-year-old and his teddy comforter have been pretty much inseparable since birth/purchase. If I dare put Teddy in the washing machine, my son sits at the door of the front loader until he knows Teddy has survived the spin cycle. Given that Teddy is frequently used as a hanky/napkin, I find myself handwashing him at least twice a week.

Patiently waiting. Image: Supplied.
3. Deal with poop on the daily.
Kids poo. Often. And you just kind of get used to it. Although I must admit that some of my fondest moments with my kids happened during change time. What is the magic that allows kids to be so cute while making you deal with something so gross? From the first time they began cooing at me as babies, to blowing kisses and giggling as wriggling toddlers, it was the time where I noticed the most growth and change in my baby, even if it meant poop ensued.