Today I have a guest post from Melanie from Country Roads! Melanie has been such a sweet blog friend over the couple years that I've known her, and I love reading her thoughts about her faith, family, crafts, and everything else she writes about. I'm happy to have her as a guest for me today as she tells us about some of the things she has learned since becoming a mom! And be sure to swing by her blog and say hello!
-----------------------------------
Hello! I'm Melanie from Country Roads and I'll be guest posting for Callie today! I thought I'd tell you my adventures in 'mommyhood' and what I've learned since becoming a first time mom a little over 16 months ago!
Has it really been that long?
Time really does fly. I mean really. I remember in the first two weeks after bringing my baby girl Makayla home from the hospital after a scheduled c-section thinking how she'd be this little for a while. Next thing I know..she's awake more..grows out of her newborn diapers (and sizes 1, 2, and 3 in what seemed like a flash!)..grows out of her 'baby' clothes...is sleeping in a crib verses her bassinet..learns to sit..stand..crawl..feed herself...walk...and so on. It all happens so incredibly fast.
One thing I've learned is to enjoy each phase.
They go from being a newborn to a baby to a toddler really quick. Its not a bad thing, per say. Its rather something to rejoice about. Watching your child grow and learn how to do things on their own is so rewarding. I remember wanting her so badly to learn how to put her pacifier in her mouth without us having to do it everytime she'd lose it..especially when she was in her carseat. I'd think to myself, "I just wish she'd learn to hang on to that thing!"..of course now that is a total non-issue! They grow out of each phase before you know it..so learn to love where your at with your little ones (and take alot of pictures!)!
Has it really been that long?
Time really does fly. I mean really. I remember in the first two weeks after bringing my baby girl Makayla home from the hospital after a scheduled c-section thinking how she'd be this little for a while. Next thing I know..she's awake more..grows out of her newborn diapers (and sizes 1, 2, and 3 in what seemed like a flash!)..grows out of her 'baby' clothes...is sleeping in a crib verses her bassinet..learns to sit..stand..crawl..feed herself...walk...and so on. It all happens so incredibly fast.
One thing I've learned is to enjoy each phase.
They go from being a newborn to a baby to a toddler really quick. Its not a bad thing, per say. Its rather something to rejoice about. Watching your child grow and learn how to do things on their own is so rewarding. I remember wanting her so badly to learn how to put her pacifier in her mouth without us having to do it everytime she'd lose it..especially when she was in her carseat. I'd think to myself, "I just wish she'd learn to hang on to that thing!"..of course now that is a total non-issue! They grow out of each phase before you know it..so learn to love where your at with your little ones (and take alot of pictures!)!
Something else I have learned is I now have a deeper respect for parents.
Being a parent isn't easy. It can be challenging at times for different reasons. Whether its being up all night with a fussy baby and so tired you can't see straight or trying to disipline a toddler who is testing your sanity..parents go through alot. Of course, it has it rewards (hello sweet baby kisses and tight hugs!)..but I respect parents now more than ever because I am one. I see what challenges each one faces and the fears they have with supporting a family.
Its also important to listen to your inner heart.
When you become a mom for the first time especially..you'll have everyone from all around trying to tell you how to raise your child..whats best for them..what to do (and especially NOT to do!)..and basically give you input whether you've asked for their advice or not. It can get FRUSTRATING!! I've been there..done that and I've found it also tests just how humble of a person you are! God gave us all a 'mothering instinct', I believe, and it does kick in. If you are anything like me..I never grew up around many babies and when I was about to become a mom I had alot of doubts if I'd know what to do in certain situations. But you know..that inner instinct in my heart kicked in. So don't worry about what everyone else tells you!
Getting used to having a messy (or messier!) house was something new for me to get used to as well.
I was always the type to keep my house looking good. Very little clutter, dusted and vacuumed daily, everything in its place. With a toddler who gets into everything (and if your little one isn't at that stage yet..don't worry..they will be soon enough!) and makes messes faster than you can clean it up...I've learned its ok to let the house get a little messy. They are only children once and a little clutter and dust never hurt anyone! I'd rather have good memories 20 years down the line of playing with my little girl..making a mess in the kitchen baking and getting flour everywhere..than remembering how clean my house was.
Make a memory daily might be hard to do..but time has a way of getting away from us.
Whether its taking a walk, playing house, fingerpainting, crafting, reading, or visiting relatives..make memories daily with your kids. Time goes by so quickly to not take advantage of each day God has given us. Again..I'd rather look back in 20 years and remember all the fun stuff I did with my daughter than wishing we'd done more together.
And last but not least..making time for yourself is probably one of the most important things I've learned since becoming a mother.
Caring for a child whether its a newborn or a toddler is hard work. They require alot of time and patience and at the end of the day its easy to just plop into bed without a second thought. But its important to spend time taking care of yourself also. Spend time in devotion, read a good book (I highly recommend the Chicken Soup for the Souls books!), watch a movie, BLOG!, go out with friends, or spend the evening painting your toenails! Anything where the focus is on you is the key. If you don't take care of you first, you won't be able to be the best mother you can be.
I hope you've enjoyed reading my experiences and things I have learned since earning the title of "Mommy"! Its something that I wouldn't trade for the world and something I never knew I'd love so much. Yes, my world has been turned upside down.
But I love it. :-D
Post a Comment