1. Googling baby sleep advice only leads to confusion - Oh yes, we've all done it. But I don't think I'm the only one who has ended up more confused after seeking advice than before. How many hours of sleep does my 3 month old need? How many naps should they take? Should I let my baby cry it out? All I ever get when looking up these questions is conflicting opinions. I've just had to get to know my baby and learn what she needs.
2. Comparison really is the thief of joy - We know that all babies/kids are different. Yet, it's hard not to compare your child with others. I'm guilty of comparing Lizzie's naps to other kids because she has ALWAYS taken short naps. It has seriously been the hardest thing for me to accept. But when I do accept that she's just a short napper and still happy, then I feel better. It also helps to think of all the things she's great at like eating, being social, and sleeping at night. I also want to quickly mention that this comparing thing also applies to us moms. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, they're just different than others'.
3. Target is a wonderful store - Can I just say that I hardly ever went to Target before becoming a mom? I went there for wedding presents but that's about it! Now, however, I find myself at Target multiple times a week. I don't like going to a bunch of different stores in the day with Lizzie so I go to Target because they have all your baby needs and more in one place!
4. I now get excited over silly things - This could have it's own list. I remember being excited about my baby pooping because she was so constipated in her early weeks of life. I even texted Tyler one day "She finally pooped!" We were both ecstatic. I would also get excited if my newborn let me sleep for 6 hours straight. A whole 6 hours! Before becoming a mom that would not have been ok.
5. Patience - Oh man, have I had to learn patience. It has never been my strongest virtue so this was tough for me. Waking up so many times a night to nurse, taking care of a sick baby, growth spurts, teething, learning how to be a mom - all these have required much patience. And it's not just Lizzie I have to be patient with, I have to be patient with myself also.
6. My life doesn't revolve around myself - Becoming a mom has forced me to think about someone other than myself. I love Lizzie and only want the best for her. Everything I do for Lizzie I do because I believe it's the best for her. I have to think of her when I plan things like trips, dates, mealtimes, etc. This change in lifestyle has been difficult to adapt to, but as free as my life was before, I would rather have my little girl than go back to that life. Someday I will have that freedom again, when my children are older are living their own lives. For now, I want try to enjoy this phase of life.
7. Motherhood gives a glimpse into God's love - I never imagined the love I could have for a child until I had one of my own. Like I mentioned previously, I want only the best for Lizzie. I want to giver her the best life possible. I want her to succeed, be good, and be happy. This is what God wants for his children, except his love is infinitely greater. Sometimes I have to do something that Lizzie doesn't like and doesn't realize is for her own good. When she gets shots, she obviously dislikes it and is probably wondering why we would do this to her; but I know they are good for her so I do it because I love her. God gives us trials and tough things in life and we wonder why. God loves us so he gives us challenges we need to grow stronger. I shouldn't say only mothers get this glimpse into God's love, fathers do as well. Becoming a parent has strengthened my testimony of God's love of me. I'm forever grateful to be called "mom".
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