Motherhood Is

|The post “Motherhood Is” appeared first on Moonstruck La Vie En Rosé on June 29, 2017|

Raising my daughter has been the biggest, most beautiful challenge I have faced thus far. Watching her learn and grow has been the greatest reward. I’ve noticed that she has been asserting her independence more and more as the weeks go by, and I find myself loving and hating every instance of it.

I long for the days, where it was just the three of us. Tucked into our tiny apartment, sheltered from the world… ahem, maternity leave. I dropped Nora off for her first day of day care at 9 weeks old. And, if there is anything I would do differently, it would be to set myself up so that I would have been able to take a year off to be there to watch, nurture and guide her every step of the way.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t in the cards for me. Because for the longest time, I never knew that I wanted to be a mom. Its something that I shied away from because I was working on having my life together.

If I could encourage you to do any thing, even if are unsure that you will ever be a mom… its this, prepare. Prepare so that when/if the time comes, you can stay home with your little one, if that’s what you want to do. I wish I did.

Life Changing

Motherhood is life changing. In the hospital, when the nurse hands over your babe for “golden hour” it’s hard to explain the wave of emotions you may experience. For me, I knew my body was brewing a baby but when she was placed in my arms, I was in disbelief!

Yes, I was present for all of the doctor appointments, lol.

If you’re a first time mom, the third trimester might bring on the countdown for your favorite cocktail or sushi roll. I, for one thought I would be overjoyed to have my body back. But, those trivial needs, or should I say wants, all seem to melt away. Because almost immediately, your needs and wants come second.

I know I felt totally unqualified for the job of being a mom. But, I think that’s why parents have a special place in their heart for their first born… you grow together. Your first child molds you into a better person than you once were.

Nora has given me a new perspective on life, she reminds me to see the beauty in life’s little things. We remember to celebrate each and every victory, no matter how small.

Bonus Read: Check out this post on how to enjoy the season of motherhood you are in!

Motherhood is long days and sleepless nights

Motherhood is long days and sleepless nights that you will never be prepared for. Sleep deprivation is real! At first the sleepless nights are because of something simple like needing a bottle or diaper change or simply missing your presence. But, these little ones always know how to throw a plot twist in our direction 😉 Seriously, the minute you become comfortable with a routine…it will change.

So, I am trying my best to embrace these moments. Because I have a feeling that when the teenage years set in, and I’m awake at night with worry for entirely different reasons… I’ll remind myself of the nights my daughter just wanted a little extra snuggle time.

A calling to be present

Motherhood is a calling to be present… I hate to admit it but, I’m not always fully present for my daughter. Its something that I am working on daily. One way I escape after a long day at work is by getting lost on social media, phone in hand, typing away…

It’s not something I am proud of. Sometimes I justify it by saying things to myself in the moment like, I haven’t had any time to myself at all today, or I don’t remember the last time I watched something I was interested in on TV (we have Peppa Pig, old school Donald Duck and a few movies on loop). But, if this is the most important work I will ever do –create a happy home & family– I have to remind myself of a quote I once read, the days are long but the years are short. I should be reveling in each and every moment, and challenge myself to escape by being present.

A beautiful adventure

Motherhood is a beautiful adventure you may never be entirely ready to embark upon. But, when/if you decide to take on the challenge, it will be the single most remarkable thing you’ve ever experienced (pinky promise!).