Since 8:19 p.m. on October 21, 2013, I have been surprised to discover that I would be learning as much or more than the tiny precious human who changed our lives. Here are some of the most noteworthy:
1. Babies are the best - It's true. These precious, indescribable gifts from God are the most beautifully packaged and important of all His creative handiwork. I've always thought babies were pretty cool, but having my own has broadened my perspective and increased my ability to take joy in others' little ones.
2. In the same vain has been an indescribable love that began the moment I saw her. It hit me like a brick wall and overwhelmed me to the point of tears. She didn't do anything to earn my love, she just existed. She doesn't know it yet, but there's nothing she can do to lose my love either. I had never experienced a love like that before, and I can only imagine it is a fraction of the way God must feel for us.
3. Such indescribable love can make you cry with your mother-in-law's friend in Walmart. I was probably 2 or 3 months postpartum when I saw her and she brought up the aforementioned indescribable love. Before I knew it, I was a blubbering mess in the produce aisle.
4. This brings up the truth that pregnancy hormones never completely go away. My husband believes this is God's provision to help women become more compassionate caretakers and I agree. So grab a Kleenex box ladies and enjoy your new motherly sensitivity.
5. I couldn't do this alone. I'm sure that God would equip me if it I had to, but I'm sure grateful that I have my husband.
6. I've been sad to realize that these incredible memories I'm developing with my daughter, will be things she won't remember or treasure as I do. I thought that motherhood would help me understand my parent's love more, and, to a certain degree, it does. But to be honest, I just can't imagine myself in my daughter's place as an adored baby. Someday she will contract the "I'm not a baby anymore, mom" syndrome and won't want to hear my sappy stories... I'll just have to tell her daddy. :-)
7. Nursing is hard. It's a wonderful bonding experience, time consuming, worth it, difficult in public, worth it, painful (why didn't someone warn me about engorgement!??!), and worth it. I'm joyed I can give my daughter something so healthy.
8. "Sleep when your baby sleeps" is some of the most ridiculous and repeated advice I've ever heard. I'm not a napper (not by choice, unfortunately), but even if I were, who cat naps 22 hours a day?
9. Speaking of advice, everyone has an opinion about how to raise children. Frustratingly, even pediatricians, the people you're supposed to be able to trust with your child's life, argue about how to do it. Most of the advice ranges from "this is the only way" to "this will kill your child". I research and am learning to apply in moderation. I still fail often and give in to new-mommy worries.
10. As a detail-oriented perfectionist, perhaps the most profound lesson I'm still working on is my to-do list. My baby is my top priority (including the fun stuff like playing and cuddling), and anything else that gets done is a bonus.
11. Long, quiet showers are a luxury, and at least #2 on that to-do list.
12. I never wanted to be "one of those moms" but it's like primal instincts kick in and I trust some people with my baby more than others. I receive joy when others joy in our daughter. On the other hand, red flags go up when it seems like someone, who I otherwise trust, doesn't know what they're doing or if they're really passionate about always holding her. I'm thinking this is a new-mommy thing that will subside with baby #2. Let's hope so because I'm not a fan of these feelings.
13. Ah, strangers. The doting is nice and, let's be honest, I beam with pride when older ladies gather to admire baby girl. However, there are strangers who insist on having a full conversation with your child which requires your participation while they seem to forget that you exist. Awkward.
14. With the exception of those strangers, socializing is easier. Relating to anyone who is a parent is nice, but even with single or married friends without kids, we always have something to talk about when the conversation lulls. Whether its because of sweet coos or crying, there's not much awkward silence these days.
15. Naps make friends. Everyone knows a tired, cranky baby isn't the most pleasant companion, but I mean this in a different way. Sure, I cherish my quiet alone time in the day to get things done, but when I see that beautiful smile beaming up at me when I come in get her up, my heart aches with the realization that I've missed that sweet face every minute that she was asleep. It helps me better appreciate the waking moments I have with her.
1. Babies are the best - It's true. These precious, indescribable gifts from God are the most beautifully packaged and important of all His creative handiwork. I've always thought babies were pretty cool, but having my own has broadened my perspective and increased my ability to take joy in others' little ones.
2. In the same vain has been an indescribable love that began the moment I saw her. It hit me like a brick wall and overwhelmed me to the point of tears. She didn't do anything to earn my love, she just existed. She doesn't know it yet, but there's nothing she can do to lose my love either. I had never experienced a love like that before, and I can only imagine it is a fraction of the way God must feel for us.
3. Such indescribable love can make you cry with your mother-in-law's friend in Walmart. I was probably 2 or 3 months postpartum when I saw her and she brought up the aforementioned indescribable love. Before I knew it, I was a blubbering mess in the produce aisle.
4. This brings up the truth that pregnancy hormones never completely go away. My husband believes this is God's provision to help women become more compassionate caretakers and I agree. So grab a Kleenex box ladies and enjoy your new motherly sensitivity.
5. I couldn't do this alone. I'm sure that God would equip me if it I had to, but I'm sure grateful that I have my husband.
6. I've been sad to realize that these incredible memories I'm developing with my daughter, will be things she won't remember or treasure as I do. I thought that motherhood would help me understand my parent's love more, and, to a certain degree, it does. But to be honest, I just can't imagine myself in my daughter's place as an adored baby. Someday she will contract the "I'm not a baby anymore, mom" syndrome and won't want to hear my sappy stories... I'll just have to tell her daddy. :-)
7. Nursing is hard. It's a wonderful bonding experience, time consuming, worth it, difficult in public, worth it, painful (why didn't someone warn me about engorgement!??!), and worth it. I'm joyed I can give my daughter something so healthy.
8. "Sleep when your baby sleeps" is some of the most ridiculous and repeated advice I've ever heard. I'm not a napper (not by choice, unfortunately), but even if I were, who cat naps 22 hours a day?
9. Speaking of advice, everyone has an opinion about how to raise children. Frustratingly, even pediatricians, the people you're supposed to be able to trust with your child's life, argue about how to do it. Most of the advice ranges from "this is the only way" to "this will kill your child". I research and am learning to apply in moderation. I still fail often and give in to new-mommy worries.
10. As a detail-oriented perfectionist, perhaps the most profound lesson I'm still working on is my to-do list. My baby is my top priority (including the fun stuff like playing and cuddling), and anything else that gets done is a bonus.
11. Long, quiet showers are a luxury, and at least #2 on that to-do list.
12. I never wanted to be "one of those moms" but it's like primal instincts kick in and I trust some people with my baby more than others. I receive joy when others joy in our daughter. On the other hand, red flags go up when it seems like someone, who I otherwise trust, doesn't know what they're doing or if they're really passionate about always holding her. I'm thinking this is a new-mommy thing that will subside with baby #2. Let's hope so because I'm not a fan of these feelings.
13. Ah, strangers. The doting is nice and, let's be honest, I beam with pride when older ladies gather to admire baby girl. However, there are strangers who insist on having a full conversation with your child which requires your participation while they seem to forget that you exist. Awkward.
14. With the exception of those strangers, socializing is easier. Relating to anyone who is a parent is nice, but even with single or married friends without kids, we always have something to talk about when the conversation lulls. Whether its because of sweet coos or crying, there's not much awkward silence these days.
15. Naps make friends. Everyone knows a tired, cranky baby isn't the most pleasant companion, but I mean this in a different way. Sure, I cherish my quiet alone time in the day to get things done, but when I see that beautiful smile beaming up at me when I come in get her up, my heart aches with the realization that I've missed that sweet face every minute that she was asleep. It helps me better appreciate the waking moments I have with her.