Things I Have Learned as a Mother

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.