Each month I try and write about a lesson in motherhood that I've learned and come to realize as important now that I am a stay at home mom. Although there are things I learn each and every day, that are crucial to me. This month it's a lesson learned about, and for myself. Remembering to take time for mom is key!
Over the past few months of being a mom I've learned so many things, but one thing I've learned that's so important to remember, is that it's important to take time for yourself. Having a baby is wonderful...I enjoy every day I get to spend with her. But sometimes it's nice just to take a moment for myself. Not only important, but crucial! Being a mother is the most important job in the world. I want to be my very best, and to do that I must take time for myself. Sometimes I just need to recharge my batteries. Whether it be taking a bath or reading my Bible, it's important to take time here and there for myself!
Although this is important, you may be saying...."But it's not an easy task to take time for yourself when you're trying to balance everything else that goes along with being a wife, a mother, and a homemaker, etc." This is true. It's not easy task, but something we truly need to work at. No matter how hectic life gets, even if you don't think you have the time, it's important to make the time. I'm not talking a whole day off or anything, just a half hour here and there.
I've learned how important this lesson really is. If you want to be the best mom that you can be, you must take time out for yourself. You deserve it!!
As I'm sure many other mom's would agree...it's a big transition moving your little one to their own room for the first time! Kaelyn is just over two months old now, so we knew it was getting to be that time when she had to go to her room and sleep in her crib, rather than in the bassinet that sits by our bed. It was really nice having her in our room, as it was very convenient to change her and feed her when she was still waking up frequently in the night. Now, however, she is getting older and sleeping through the night...what other reason do we have to keep her in our room other than mom feeling a bit of separation anxiety about the whole thing....and that's not a good reason.
We came to the conclusion that there is no reason why she cannot be sleeping in her own room and in her crib now...so this past Sunday night we began having her sleep in there. We wanted to wait until after the holidays were over with and our routine was back to normal. Both nights so far she's been sleeping through the night and actually wakes up happier....smiling and cooing as she looks at the mobile that hangs above her. She seems to really enjoy the change, and mom is adjusting. At first it just kept running through my mind that my little girl is in her own room all by herself. It was like I felt bad for her that she had to be in there by herself or something...I know, I know...call me odd. I'm beginning to adjust though and am glad that she took the transition so well.
Wow, as a mom I sure do learn something new everyday! Mainly I've been learning lessons to live by as a stay at home mom. Recently I discussed one thing that I came to terms with. Now, I am posting to discuss a second lesson that I have really taken to heart....Remember What's Important & Throw The Lists Away...
Again, you might be asking...what does she mean?! Well, let me explain. Before I had Kaelyn I was used to having a routine of sorts and getting done what I needed to. Now that kind of goes along with Lesson number one you might be saying, but keep reading. When I say Remember What's Important I not only mean that I must come to terms with the fact that I might not get my whole list of things done in a day, but I must make sure that I don't. Huh?! Is probably something you're asking yourself now! I know, I know...I may be confusing at times, but bare with me. :) What I mean is that I want to throw my lists away, not only to just take it a day at a time and go with the flow, but also so that I can spend more precious time with my beautiful daughter! Children are only young for such a short period of time. They grow so quickly and I want to cherish every moment I have at home with her. If this means throwing the lists away...then so be it....I want to remember that she is more important than any chore or task I have to do around the house!
As I've been a stay-at-home-mom now for a few weeks now...I've began to realize that there are certain lessons to be learned. The first one that I'd like to share is that of Taking it a day at a time & going with the flow.
What do I mean when I say take it a day at a time? Well, I began this adventure of motherhood thinking I could continue to have my to-do lists and that I would be able to get everything accomplished in a day like I used to. However, over time I quickly found out that this idea of a day in the life of me was unrealistic. Having a baby to take care of now, I am unable to get my mind set on finishing a list of tasks to get done during the day. Being the organized person that I am, this has been a difficult adjustment for me...but one that I'm learning to get used to. Kaelyn pretty much decides our schedule right now...as she is still very young and is napping and eating when she needs to. I know as time goes on that more of routine will be in place...but it is still not realistic for me to think that I can have a list for each day and get it all done. I've learned that I must take it a day at a time and get done what I can. To me this is one of the most important things to come to terms with if you are staying at home with your children. Life definitely changes and our priorities become our children....our homes and cleaning for all of the other neat freaks out there like me, must come last. I for one am enjoying this first lesson of motherhood that I've learned. It's helped me let loose a little and enjoy my time with Kaelyn.
