I was one of those "weird" women that loved being pregnant. I LOVED carrying my children & getting to feel them kicking and rolling around inside me. I actually liked how I looked while I was pregnant (OK, maybe not the third trimester puffiness, and the extra/extra wide feet). I absolutely adored my very large, very round, pregnant belly!
I journaled my way through each pregnancy (yes, even my third), documenting each new "first", and charting everything from my expanding belly, to my expanding butt!! I spent each night parked on the sofa with my hand on my belly, feeling the kids squirm all around inside of me. I think those will always be sweet, sweet, memories to me :-).
Here is a look back...ONE YEAR ago today!
Little Miss Maya Lynnette entered the world at 5:13 a.m.!
*She was by far my fastest (1 hour 15 minutes) labor, and easiest delivery. I was so thrilled to have accomplished my THIRD med-free delivery! I felt amazing after she was born! It's funny how "experience" really changes everything when it comes to having babies. I felt very confident going into my delivery & I remember being so proud of my veteran hubby who also felt at ease in the delivery room. He and I were quite the team that day!
Do you think I could be more excited?
She weighed in @ 7lbs 12 oz & 19 inches long.
Snug as a bug...
Nursing Maya that first night. (Just in case you were wondering....we are still nursing at one year. Yay, for me!)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Overall I feel very blessed to be the mom of three beautiful children. Each one of my kids is so special to me in three very different ways. I love that God chose to give me such interesting , fun, and unique personalities for my children. I feel like my kids stretch me to my limits (in a good way), because they are always challenging me to do more, know more, and be more. My life really is all about them right now, but that's OK!
I don't think many moms hear that...but I think they need to!! It's really OK if you are pouring yourself into your little children. Sure, you don't get enough sleep right now, or even get to shower every day, but this time is SO short...spend it wisely! I want my kids to remember the "fun" me, the "happy" me, & the only way they are going to have those memories is if I give up a little of "me" from time to time.
The one HUGE thing my third baby has taught me is to "let go". If I had one word of advice for new moms out there it would be to "let go" more often. "Let go"... of some of the "book knowledge" you have and listen to your gut more often. Hold that baby when it cries, scoot over and let your toddler climb into bed with you in the middle of the night, eat a cookie for breakfast, go to the park when it's sunny (even if all the chores don't get done because of it!). "Let go"...of your schedule from time to time & listen to what your children want and need from you. Be open to learning their unique communication styles (no two children are alike...). "Let go"...of wanting your "former" life back. Your children really are a blessing from the Lord, even if they do "rob" you of your sleep & steal away your vanity. Don't be jealous of the sleep you "used to" get or the body you "once" had...celebrate that you have been forever changed by the blessing of children. Take comfort in this bit of wisdom I once received from a veteran mom..."When things get rough, & you find yourself at the end of your rope, know that...this too shall pass". It really will!
If I had one thing I was really passionate about it would be my children...and I'm not ashamed to admit that. Jon and I have made TREMENDOUS sacrifices so that I could stay at home with the kids & I would do it all over again if I had to. I could have a bigger home, a newer car, a big savings account, and nice clothes if I were working right now, but being here...in my home...with my kids...is what has changed me for the better. I'm eternally grateful for the past five years, and all that I've been able to learn from my children. I hope, and pray, that God will continue to make a way for me to stay with them for a few more years to come, because this has been the most rewarding journey of my entire life (sacrifices and all).
"It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't."
-Barbara Kingsolver
3 comments:
What a sweet post, Amber! It made me tear up and be glad I'm at home "sacrificing" and "letting go" for these precious kiddos. They are precious! Thanks for the reminder. . .
Aww...thanks, Karen! You are a wonderful mommy too. I know how tough it can be when you stay at home & feel like you are not doing anything "great", but we really are! When I look back over the past 5 years I really do see the "big" picture more clearly.
I feel like this is where I need to be right now & I know my kids need me to be with them. I still have those days, or those moments, when I ask myself "Now....why am I doing this?". In my heart I know it's because THIS is what's right for me and my family right now.
One day, when the kids are all grown up I'm sure I'll look back on this time & laugh about how loooong these days seem to be lasting. Because, truth be told, this time in my life is VERY short compared to the REST of my life.
Sure, I have things I'd like to accomplish, and I know that I will get to do some of those things very soon. This baby stage and constant "giving of myself 24/7", won't always be that way. I won't be nursing forever, I won't ALWAYS have to wipe everyone's butt, or dice their grapes into quarters, but for now that IS what I have to do so that my children will be safe, secure, and happy.
For now I'll just dream in "baby steps". Having SOMEONE who can toilet themselves (even when they go "#2") ALL THE TIME would be a major victory in my book!!! ;-)
Great post, Amber!
James and I are always reminding each other to enjoy this time because it will pass so quickly.
I love it that we get to move on to new stages and experience new things. It's been emotionally difficult leaving the baby stage behind, but I really focus on the new freedoms I have and the fun we get to have as a family now.
The biggest struggle James and I have had is limited alone time. We were married for eight years before we had kids and it's been really nice to have more time together again, lately.
I am sooooooooo thankful that I get to stay home. I wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks for the encourament there. I need friends that understand and are there with me and cheer me on. I do need the reminder that what I do is the most important job out there. I should have more pride in what I do.
Thanks for such an encouraging post!
Post a Comment