Sunday, May 8, 2011

Lessons in Motherhood



I've learned a thing or two since motherhood began for me four years ago (after all, motherhood begins in pregnancy).  In honor of Mother's Day, I thought I'd share a few of my lessons learned:

  • Don't ever tell a pregnant woman in her first trimester that your morning sickness lasted for 10 months.  You might want to leave out that she looks HUGE at any point.  If you value your life, anyway.
  • When relaying your pregnancy story to an expectant mother, leave out the gory (30 hours of pushing, epidural wearing off) details.
  • When a new mom is struggling with the shock of being up for 24 hours a day for the first two weeks of her little peanut's life, DO NOT tell her that your baby first slept through the night at week 3....or at 3 years old.  That is unless you have a box of tissues and a straightjacket handy.
  • The wonderful and insightful advice given by strangers is best received with a gracious smile...and a grain of salt.
  • Your baby will sleep.  Eventually
  • Take one day at a time.
  • 2am feedings can be beautiful, if you remember that they won't last forever.
  • During un-ending baby crying fits, toddler tantrums, preschooler melt-downs, BREATHE.  Count to 30.  Think "big picture".  Remember that you are strong and WILL get through it.
  • Motherhood isn't a competition, it is a sisterhood.
  • EVERY child is different.
  • A spit-up stain is a badge of honor.
  • Spaghetti-O kisses should be accepted with a smile (and a wet-wipe).
  • Even if the finished product is messy (and inedible), cook and bake with your kids.   It does wonder for your bonding and your little one's confidence.
  • When little ones show an interest in doing things, encourage it.  Even if it means A LOT more work for you.
  • Savor the pitter-patter sounds in the hall, babble-songs, giggles, kisses, bear-hugs, bed-time snuggles, make-believe games and...messes.  Silence and cleanliness will come soon enough.

I've been honored and so blessed to be Christian and Jonathan's momma.  They are my sunshine, my cuddle-buddies, my wrestling partners.




They teach me the most profound lessons on a daily basis...My prayer is that as they grow I might return the favor.

4 comments:

Kelly Bagdanov said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
'tana nana said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Crystal Keilers, that's me. said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Christy said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...