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Things I Have Learned as a Mother

2012 May 13
by Sarah

Today is my first official Mother’s Day. While the day is mostly beloved, many people have mixed feelings about the holiday. I want to acknowledge those people who may have recently lost their moms or a child, those wish to be moms but aren’t due to singleness or infertility, or those with other reasons to have mixed feelings today. On a related note, I’ve read a couple interesting takes on this holiday recently that I want to share with you: Will You Remember Her? and Reflections on Mother’s Day.

Though I am still a novice at this motherhood thing, I want to record and share some of the things I have learned since becoming a mother a little over nine months ago. This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you are a mother (or father), what would you add to my list? Let’s put our collective brains together.

I have learned that sacrificial love is hard even for someone as cute and helpless as an infant.

I have learned that if I want to wear a particular shirt somewhere in the afternoon/evening, not to put it on in the morning. It’s a sure way to have the baby spit up on me that day. The same is true for the baby’s outfit.

I have learned that babies are simply precious when they are asleep, no matter their age; it’s not just newborns.

I have learned that there is no one-size-fits-all way of parenting.

I have learned not to let my baby eat a pear or apple while wearing light-colored clothing. Those clear juices stain like the dickens.

I have learned that no matter how much my baby cries, I will still love him so much it hurts.

I have learned that those camp songs I learned as a kid are coming in handy now that I have my own kid.

I have learned that the lack of sleep is totally worth it when your child’s face lights up at the sight of you.

I have learned that it’s true what everyone says: Motherhood is both the best and toughest job in the world. And I haven’t even faced the really hard challenges of parenting yet.

I have learned that naptime is precious.

I have learned that I am willing to do things I never thought possible for the love and benefit of my child. (Like using the Snotsucker, for instance.)

I have learned that my husband does not parent the same way I do and that’s a good thing.

I have learned to change a diaper in the dark (even cloth diapers with snaps!).

I have learned that there is something new to love about each stage my child goes through.

I have learned that no matter how heavy a sleeper you were before you had baby, you will always wake when your baby cries.

I have learned that there is something extra sweet and special about those quiet, peaceful midnight feedings when the rest of the house sleeps. (Though I only sometimes appreciate them.) I have also learned that uninterrupted sleep is a highly valued commodity!

I have learned that I didn’t realize all the time I had before I had a baby.

I have learned to better understand God the Father’s love for his children and the sacrifice of His only son.

I have learned that it is possible to completely dress myself while holding the baby.

I have learned to appreciate my parents on a new level.

I have learned that when I read the same kid books over and over and over again, phrases from those books work their way into my everyday speech… with the same cadence.

I have learned that sometimes I have to ignore the best advice of experts, follow my heart, and just do what works for my baby and our family.

I have learned that I still have a lot to learn.


10 Responses
  1. May 14, 2012

    This is a great list! You’ve learned so much already. It’s a fast and steep learning curve, isn’t it? That first year of motherhood. Precious, frustrating, amazing moments.

    Happy Mothers Day to you! :)

    adriel

    • May 14, 2012

      Yes, you are so right about the learning curve!

  2. May 14, 2012

    The other day at work, one of the salesmen was on the phone and it was a slightly angry call. And he said, “Yeah well that’s gonna go bye-bye real fast.” And we all died laughing. He has a 1-year-old.

  3. Kynasouthworth permalink
    May 14, 2012

    Amazing the things we are learning! 
    I have learned that the things I thought were priorities really aren’t that big of a deal (like having a clean house). 
    I have learned that time goes really fast, and if I don’t appreciate every moment, I won’t get them back- ever. 
    Love you, friend!
    Kyna

  4. May 14, 2012

    This is  truly fun, inspirational, and you taught this grandmother a few things! I loved this post.

  5. lizfabe77 permalink
    May 15, 2012

    oh, yes! totally agree!! :) :)

  6. Kelly permalink
    May 15, 2012

    Yes!  To all of them!  Seriously, what did I do with all of my time before he was around?!  I’ve learned not to expect to get as much done with my time as I did before he was around – and that’s ok.  Sometimes it’s more important to sit and give him my undivided attention for awhile than it is to fold that load of laundry or cross something else off of my list.  It’s a balance I’m still working on.

    I’ve also learned what “it goes so fast” really means.  Sometimes I catch myself thinking about things that will be neat to do with Owen in the future, and the very next second just wanting to hold on to him right where he is.  Because really, how did he already get this big?On a lighter note, Neil and I find ourselves working “That’s not my ____” into the most mundane of conversations.  “That’s not my fork, it’s tines are too long”, “That’s not my shirt, it’s size is too big”, etc.  

  7. May 15, 2012

    Sarah–I loved this post! I’m so happy that you are loving this journey of motherhood.

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