A Mother’s Love

It’s been a LONG time since I’ve blogged about healthy living or the latest raw creation I’ve tried….I’ll get back to that…eventually! Being a mama takes top priority and I am loving every minute of it! I may not be able to fit into my size 2 shorts anymore, but I’m learning to accept my new curves and I keep reminding myself that this jiggly belly won’t be around forever. So far I’ve lost 32 pounds and I’m not ashamed to admit that I gained 50 pounds during the pregnancy. My doctor wanted me to gain more than the average woman because I started so small…hey, we ended up with a healthy babe in the end and that’s all that matters! I’m at that weird and awkward stage where the maternity stuff is too big and my pre-preggo clothes are a bit too small. Speaking of jiggly belly…isn’t it amazing how the post-preggo belly is now its own entity?! It jiggles and shakes when you laugh; you can move it from side to side; you can even “talk” with it! It’s a lot different from the once firm, beautiful, preggo belly. Ok…enough about the belly! Becoming a mama has been the most incredible and challenging journey I’ve experienced – every day is a new adventure!

Things I’ve learned since becoming a mama:

• Just like pregnancy, no book will ever fully prepare you for motherhood – you just gotta dive in!
• Priorities change without effort or thinking…baby becomes your world!
• I’m a night owl….no longer by choice, but out of necessity.
• Bedtime is earlier…much earlier.
• Patience is everything.
• You can NEVER have enough burp cloths and bibs.
• Ask for help! Trying to take everything on by yourself will lead to insanity.
• It’s OK to cry. At times, being a mama is hard.
• You’ll go through multiple outfits a day….not just the baby!
• I’ve never been so excited about burping or pooping….and here I’m referring to the baby!
• Never in my life have I done so much laundry!
• Always have the camera or your phone nearby – take LOTS of pictures!
• Have plenty of on-the-go snacks and/or food prepared because time is precious and limited.
• Sleep when baby sleeps. Well, try to…I’m still working on this one.
• My sweet baby’s favorite place to sleep is on me. So in my case, things to have within arms reach: phone, kindle, water.
• Keep the baby nail clippers and/or file close by (since I can only cut her nails when she’s sleeping).
• A shower never felt better!
• Don’t tip-toe too much around a sleeping baby…If they learn to sleep when it’s quiet, then they’re ONLY going to sleep when it’s quiet.
• Don’t wake a sleeping baby!!!
• Just like everyone’s pregnancy is different, everyone’s parenting style is different…so do what works for you!!!
• The exercise ball isn’t just for exercising. It’s become a bedtime routine…bounce with her on the ball and she falls asleep.
• An over-tired baby is your worst enemy.
• Establish a time to be at home every night…for us we’re in for the night by 6pm.
• It’s OK to change your mind. Nothing is set in stone. Take time to listen, read, and digest both sides before making a decision.
• Don’t judge another’s decision or choice….everyone has their reasons, beliefs, and ideas. RESPECT! And BE KIND!!!
• Healthy baby and healthy mama are all that matters.
• Don’t beat yourself up – parenthood is a state of constant learning!
• Enjoy every minute because they grow so fast!

I remember loving her before she was born and now that she’s here, it amazes me just how much a person can love another. It’s something that cannot be explained or understood until you become a mother.