Motherhood is the hardest job, but also the most rewarding. How many times have I heard that said? But I really didn't get it until I became a mother myself.
When the baby is on his umpteenth night in a row of waking up way too many times, and you go through each day feeling like a zombie, motherhood is really hard. But when he catches sight of you and grins like he's never been so happy to see anyone, it is the best job on earth.
When there has been fish thawing in the fridge for 5 days because you never can find time to actually cook it for dinner, and cleaning the bathroom has been on your to-do list for a month, motherhood is frustrating. But when you watch him learn new skills and have a "conversation" with you in coos and babbles, it is all worth it.
When the baby is tired and won't go to sleep for anyone but you, motherhood is difficult. But when you pick him up and he instantly calms and nestles into your arms and falls asleep, it is very sweet.
When getting anywhere on time is practically impossible because inevitably the baby is crying to be fed/changed/take a nap right when you should be leaving, and once you finally do make it there, late and exhausted, you spend half the time in a back room feeding/changing/soothing him, motherhood is no fun. But having the privilege of being a full time mom so that I don't have to miss his sweet little face looking up at me like I am his whole world makes it worth it.
When you spend 6 hours a day feeding the baby from your own body, enduring pain and uncertainty and all the ills that go with breastfeeding, motherhood is exhausting. But when he is sucking happily and looks up at you content, his little hand reaching up for you, the title of Mama is the best one there is.
When getting anywhere on time is practically impossible because inevitably the baby is crying to be fed/changed/take a nap right when you should be leaving, and once you finally do make it there, late and exhausted, you spend half the time in a back room feeding/changing/soothing him, motherhood is no fun. But having the privilege of being a full time mom so that I don't have to miss his sweet little face looking up at me like I am his whole world makes it worth it.
When you spend 6 hours a day feeding the baby from your own body, enduring pain and uncertainty and all the ills that go with breastfeeding, motherhood is exhausting. But when he is sucking happily and looks up at you content, his little hand reaching up for you, the title of Mama is the best one there is.
I'm not gonna lie, this stage is hard. It is physically and mentally exhausting. There are doubts. Am I doing this right? Will I ever sleep again? There is so much conflicting advice from books and well-meaning people. But this stage is happy too. Who knew such a tiny little bundle could bring such joy, or cause such deep, fierce love. Being a mama is harder than anything I've ever done, but also more fulfilling than anything I've ever done. And I am so blessed to have this role. Now I'm going to try to remember that tonight at 3 a.m.!
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