Hello friends,
Happy 2018, and almost happy "end to winter", as it were. Well, it's hard to believe, but we're already five months into our sweet daughter's life! Where has the time gone?! We are parents, and we are definitely smitten with our babe. She is so adorable and so much fun (most of the time)!
At the advice of my dear older sister, we followed babywise's schedule for her feedings and she's a great sleeper. Most nights she sleeps through the night, going at around 10 hours, which is pretty splendid. She's a good eater for the most part, and she's learning new things all the time. Motherhood is pretty grand. The only part of it I dislike is being away from her so much! I enjoyed my three months of leave with her, and now I am back at work full time. I didn't think it would be so hard, but it is. Most days, in the afternoons I miss her terribly and want to be holding, cuddling, giggling, and singing with her. But alas, I'm at my job instead. Grant is thriving as a her daddy. He's so good with her, and she loves her daddy so! They have a good time together, and it's so great to see how much he loves her. It grows the love between us for sure!
What else? Well, I feel like she has fit so well into the rhythms of our life that I may be doing something wrong, but I don't think I am. One of my dear friends said to me that being a mother is just being a truer version of oneself, and I am embracing that knowledge with full force. One of my favorite things is dance parties with her. I put on a fun song on YouTube and sing along to it and bop her around and she giggles and thinks it's so great.
I think that we will be happy with one for quite a while. I don't believe I will be one of those moms who wants another kiddo right after her first birthday. I could be wrong, but I doubt it. What am I learning in this season of life? Well, for starters the simple things in life are the best. Having a baby helps me see what matters most. Loving one another, slowing down and enjoying the moments, breathing. See, nursing takes quite a bit of time, and so there's time to think, reflect, and ponder. It's a sweet thing to see her experiencing life for the first time - as she discovers her hands, enjoys her milk, gets stronger with tummy time, or realizes something for the first time, it helps me in turn slow down. Sweet family time is some of the best these days. And all those demands, the endless to-do list, it all just seems less important than the present moments with my sweet babe and my wonderful husband. I am learning to live in the present moment and cherish it for the gift that it is.
Another joy in this season of life is becoming closer to a few college friends. One of my girlfriends suggested doing a group on Voxer - this great voice message app. It has been the biggest blessing to me! We share all kinds of things on there - parenting tips, struggles, joys, our dreams, cooking ideas, and just everyday things. It has been a gift to have friendship through this app and to be able to share life in a new and fun way. I highly recommend it to you if you are looking to deepen a relationship with a friend who isn't close.
Well, as the beginning of spring emerges, I encourage you to spend some time alone, in the quiet, and see what your soul says. Let it breathe, let it be, and dream a little. It is good for our hearts to imagine, believe and dream what may seem impossible in the here and now.
Until next time, dear ones.
