reflections on maternity

These wonderful photos popped up as a memory from a year ago…

…and it got me reflecting on my season of maternity. I thought through three main things I wish I could have told myself while I was pregnant:

1) Motherhood is everything at once. Don’t let yourself think you have to feel or do or look a certain way. Sometimes the days run together and time goes by so fast. Other times you’ll feel trapped on the three hour eat, play, sleep hamster wheel. You’ll fantasize for when she goes to sleep, then instantly miss her and look at photos of her. That’s OK. Just laugh about the crazy messy first few months. Find joy in all the changes and lack of sleep. It goes by so fast. You will sleep again, I promise.

2) You are so much stronger than you think you are. When you feel you can’t go on, or you don’t understand something, or google is scaring you, God is with you - He has a plan, a good plan for you and your family. So draw near to God. Don’t hesitate to cry out to him, let him know exactly how you feel with your jumbled mess of hormones and emotions. It doesn’t scare Him. Oh, and be sure to let your husband know that you’re going to say some crazy things (like: “Where’s the return address label to send Lolo back to Amazon?”) and to not take you seriously.

3) Your family needs you at your best. Your baby needs you at your best. So figure out what makes you the best you. (Hint: it’s going to be working out, devotions, starting a company, and getting ready every day) You are going to be tired, you are going to be sore. But don’t for a second wish for your life to be easier, just get stronger. Just get healthier. You don’t want to look back on this season and think “man, all I wanted was a nap and wasn’t happy” you want to look back on this season with a happy heart and know you gave it your all and enjoyed it. You get one shot at this blessed life of yours, live it to the fullest.

The last thing I wish my pregnant self knew was that I am one of one. I don’t have to look, sound, feel, or act like any other mom. Just be me, it’s my superpower.

I definitely don’t have it all figured out, but I do know that God chose me to be Lolo’s mommy & I am going to do the very best job I can.

april