Reflecting on Six Months of Motherhood

To my Dear Baby J,

I cannot express to you how deep my love runs for you in my soul. I waited nearly 4 years to hold you in my arms. Through all the pain and devastation, I always held out hope that you would come. Then, when you came, you were more than I could ever dream of. The moment you were placed on my chest was the best moment of my existence. 

Every time I see you smile or laugh, or when your eyes are filled with wonder and delight, my heart is flooded with joy. Every movement, every giggle, makes every moment waiting for you worth it. 

I will never get enough of you. Your gummy grin, your baby smell, your soft skin. You are my best friend, my life, my reason to live. You are everything to me. I am so thankful to God for bringing you into our lives.

I love you and thank you so much for the greatest six months of my life. I will always be here for you for anything you may want or need. You are the sweetest little boy I have ever known. You are my mama's boy!

Love,

Your Mommy xoxo :)

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Six months ago my beautiful boy was born. He is the most wonderful blessing, he is more than I ever could have imagined, wished for, dreamed of. I am so thankful for the past six months of smiles, frowns, laughs, cries, love, cuddles, spit-up, and poop...and I look forward to countless more years of enjoying this little miracle!

Over the past six months I have learned a lot about being a mother and everything that comes along with it.

Here are some of my reflections of my first six months of motherhood that I'd like to pass on to anyone who will be embarking on the fabulous journey of having a baby:

*People will tell you to enjoy every single second of having a new baby, because it goes so quickly. At first you will look at them like they're crazy...then one day it hits you...they were right...ENJOY every single second! It really does fly by!

*You will get a lot of (unsolicited, usually) advice about parenting and children. Everyone from your grandmother right down to the random woman in the grocery store. Listen to it, but ultimately do what you want to do anyway. It's your baby. Besides, a mother's instinct is usually right.

*Your baby has to eat. People are going to be curious...no, annoy you and ask you what you are feeding your baby. I have found, for some unknown reason, that strange men are most interested in this question. Whether you formula feed or breastfeed, some one is always going to have something to say. Don't be ashamed of how you choose to (or have to) nourish your own child. Baby J wouldn't latch. He was 1 month premature and it just wasn't happening, despite how hard I tried. I had to give him formula in the hospital, as I didn't want my brand new baby losing weight or getting sick...he HAD to eat. Then, I ended up pumping exclusively for right around 5 months. Then we switched to formula. This is what worked for us. There's not a one-size-fits-all way to feed your baby.

*It's ok to stare at your baby for long stretches of time in wonder and amazement. I sometimes think to myself, "Did I really make him?", "Did he really grow inside of me?". It still fascinates me everyday that I was able to create such a wondrous creature :)

*You will be captivated by everything your baby does. The first smile. The first laugh. The first time he or she rolls over. The first time they babble and you hear the sweetest voice in the world. Even farts. The way they look at new things. Seeing the world through a brand new pair of eyes is the most amazing journey.

*The first few weeks can feel isolating. You may feel like you are a slave to your new baby. No sleep, constant feedings, carrying around a little extra weight. It does get easier (a lot easier) as you get better adjusted to being a mother, and your baby getting adjusted to life outside the womb.

*Accept help when it's offered. You may feel like you can do everything by yourself, and you probably can...but accepting a little help will take a little bit of stress off of you. I will say that I have an amazing support system of people around me. When I first had Baby J my mom would help straighten up the house and stay overnight once a week to give me a night to rest (not that I fully could with pumping in the middle of the night) but it was a very welcome help! My dad would drop off lunch to me and walk my dogs once or twice a week for the first month or two. My parents are truly amazing. Very generous gestures that helped me get through the early days.

*A shower will feel like a spa retreat on a luxury vacation in the early days after having a baby. Seriously. And CRINGE, you may not get one everyday in the beginning. Shaving your legs? Haha. Eventually you will be able to resume a normal routine, but not in the beginning.

*Take time to work on your relationship with your partner. Life is different. You are not the center of each other's universe anymore. You have a tiny human that your world now revolves around. Make time for date nights, uninterrupted conversations, and physical interaction...even just a hug. If it's more than a hug make sure you did shave your legs....and that you don't have baby puke on your shirt.

*Take time for yourself. Enough said.

*Every baby develops at their own pace. It's hard to keep this in mind when you see other baby's doing different things than your child. Or wondering if your baby is doing what they are supposed to be doing at a certain time. I am admittedly guilty of this. Not with comparing my baby with other babies, but with charts. My best friend recently snapped me back to reality when I asked her when Baby J was "supposed to be doing ____". She told me that she has never looked at a milestone chart, and never intends to. Her kids are perfect because they are developing at their own pace. Not what some chart says they should be doing. I really liked this advice. I won't look at a chart again (well, I'll try my best) because my baby is an individual who does his own thing :)

*You can never give your baby too much love!! I am of the opinion that you can't spoil a baby. I know some parents disagree. My baby counts on me to be there for him and take care of him. So, I will do everything I can for him to make his life better.

* I know I already said this....ENJOY EVERY SINGLE SECOND!! Oh, and take too many pictures!!

As always, thanks for reading :)