My mind went back to the time when I first became a Mom. At the time I also felt totally over my head. Even though I grew up in a very large family, I was the youngest, and never really saw a child grow up close to me, and I certainly never felt responsible for one. Before Mason was born I read book after book on Mothering, breast-feeding, organizing your time, and child-development, but honestly nothing could have fully prepared me for the time when they put Mason in my arms for the first time. I remember thinking "he is ours!". "We are responsible for this beautiful little boy - for not only his physical well being, but for his spiritual development, his happiness, his mental and emotional development and preparing him for his future in this sometimes scary, uncertain world! Help!!".
As he has gotten older, I realize more and more how Nate and I are not alone at all in this project called, "nurture a child". Over and over again I have seen, felt, and realized how God sends angels, extra strength, extra blessings through it all. This morning, in my nearly 9 month pregnant body - Mason turned to me and said while we were eating our cereal "Mommy pretty! so kind, so nice". Maybe it's because I actually showered and did my hair today, but I think it might be more than that. I'm not sure how he could see that, or feel that way, or know that I needed to hear that from him - but I know that I am important to him. Right now I'm his girl :). He's my little boy. In the end, there is really nothing sweeter to me than my bonds with my husband, and my one, and soon to be two little boys. Having said that, please pray for me this week! :)
You're such a good mom, Jo! Your two boys are so lucky to have you as their mother. I hope you're feeling well and that everything goes well with the delivery! So excited for you!
ReplyDeleteI still ask myself the "How do people do it with more than one kid?!" question, and I've (somehow) got three! I fail at it more often than I care to admit, but they know I love them and that I'm trying, even when I'm not perfect. You can do this! All will be well. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in college, I couldn't imagine ever having a kid. How would I ever do it? My mom gave me some great advice. She said, "At the beginning, babies aren't complicated. They eat, they sleep, they poop. Repeat. And that's really all you have to do at first. Soon they'll get harder and more complex, but it doesn't happen all at once, and that baby will teach you what it needs as you go along." I found that to be true with my first. And then when I was terrified before the second came along, and I thought of her advice again. I found that having a second baby wasn't super complicated at first, and this time I kind of knew what I was getting into. After the initial coming home, we were able to ease into a new routine that changed as she grew and changed and continues to change. It likely won't get complicated all at once, and those adorable kids of yours will teach you what you need. You can do it! Good luck with birth and adjustment!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it. But only with Nate & even more importantly, with the Lord. You're going to be great!!! ANIMO!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's 4 in the morning and I can't sleep :). Baby coming tomorrow!! Thanks to all 4 of you for your sweet words of kindness and encouragement! It's women like you who help me realize that it's possible and not only possible, but sweet and wonderful. Thank you, thank you!
ReplyDelete