Yesterday we spent some time with some friends who just had their first baby a couple of months ago. Talking with my friend who is now a fellow mother made me think about my own foray into parenthood. I'd wanted a baby for so long, so when I finally had little Jack I was thrilled! Needless to say, it did not take long for the reality of my new role to hit like a ton of bricks! Here was this little person, completely dependent on me, yet completely foreign to me. I thought that, because I'd babysat, been a big sister, and taught elementary children, motherhood would come naturally to me. I imagined those ads you see on TV where the baby is peacefully sleeping while the mother stands there, watching, with a sweet smile on her face. Instead, there were days of multiple bouts of crying (and not just from Jack) and thoughts of, What have I done? I remember wondering why no one had ever told me it would be so hard and deciding that I would definitely warn all my friends in the future when faced with their first pregnancy/child.
It's funny to think back on this time in my life. I've not warned anyone in, oh, probably 4 years and have always been excited to hear of new pregnancies. It's amazing how God can give you a mind that forgets the difficulty of those first few weeks, just like you forget the pain of labor. I have treasured these newborn days with my other two children because I know how quickly they pass and how easy it is to forget the joy of their snuggly little bodies pressed up against your chest as they sleep. Being a parent is such hard work, but the benefits are enormous! If I could go back to my sleep-deprived, anxious, new-mom self, I would tell her it will all work out okay. The baby will gain weight (did he ever!), he'll eventually sleep, and you'll have so much fun getting to know him.
me with four-day-old Jack--The fun begins!
my beautiful first-born son--He really was adorable (and no, I'm not biased or anything)!
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