Mommy 101

I'm sitting here putting Carter to sleep, and I finally have the time to write. I had the idea for this post earlier while showering and getting ready. (I do my best thinking then!) Little did I know, I would have learned more by the end of the day.

I thought it would be interesting to give you a few thoughts that I have learned since becoming a mom. Things that never occurred to me before or just things that I never quite grasped.

I feared becoming a mom. I knew I would have to be responsible. I was in charge. What if I did "it" wrong? What if I hated "it"? I certainly couldn't return my child nor could I "quit". If I were to talk to any upcoming mom, these are a few of the things I would say. (and none of them are "enjoy it, it goes by too fast") I'm sure other moms feel me on some of these points.

- I never understood God's love for me until I became a parent. Yes, I KNEW he loved me, but now I understand it from a protective, only want the best for you standpoint. I fell in love with God all over again and on a deeper level when He blessed our lives with Carter.

-I'm a mom and wife first and a housekeeper second. Yep, little miss OCD has to leave dishes in the sink every once in a while. Those few extra moments with my husband and child mean more than the laundry, and I've cut myself a little slack!

-There is a momma bear in me. So, I apologize if I now take up for anyone and everyone that I feel necessary. And when it comes to raising my child, don't push. It's not polite.

-Trust your instincts. You're a mom, you've got em! The first time I thought Carter was sick, it wasn't quite "noticeable" yet. 24 hours later, confirmed. When I thought he was teething, 1 week later, a porcelain, pearly white torture weapon appeared through the swollen gums. Trust them always!

-Everyone does things differently. Sites like pampers and gerber and parenting are GUIDELINES, NOT RULES. (wish I would have known that early on. Would have saved a lot of stress)

-Never google anything. Just don't. You'll save yourself tons of heartache and grey hair. Everyone's child had some deadly rash or fever that led to a coma or something traumatic like that, and I assure you, you'll assume your rash or 101 fever will do the same.

Every day is something new. Psh, every minute is something new. (30 minutes ago I was wiping puke off of my pants) I wouldn't trade any of it and I cherish all of those moments. Yes, all of them. I am a great mother. I love and care for my child. I listen to my instincts. I do things the way that is best for us. And I assure you, this momma bear is packin' if you try to state otherwise.

I'm sure there is much more to learn, but for now, these are what matter.