3 Things Motherhood has Taught Me

With Little Miss's birthday coming up in just a few days, it's safe to say that I've almost completed my first year of motherhood. And what an opportunity it has been! I believe that there are things in life that can only be learned with experience, and motherhood is definitely one of them. Because of this sweet little spirit entering our lives, it has taught me more about myself then I ever would have imagined.

Motherhood Taught Me to Prioritize 
We are sent here to earth for the opportunity to learn and grow. I have always found a way to love myself despite my many flaws because I know we aren't supposed to become the masters of anything without a little practice. However, I really surprised myself this year. I learned that I am truly capable of anything when I set my mind to it. At first, I was afraid that becoming a mother would subtract hobbies and interests that made up who I was. I figured my life would be so wrapped up with this "mommy business" that I wouldn't have time for anything other than poopy diapers, feedings, and baby snuggles.

I couldn't have been more wrong. Yes, most of my time was spent trying to keep my baby happy, my house clean, and my GPA high. But somewhere amongst  the chaos, I found that there was always a little time left for me. In those first three months, that little time I found was spent sleeping. I wouldn't have had it any other way. Being a mother to a newborn was tough business, and spending my down time sleeping was the perfect escape.
As Little Miss grew older and I adjusted to the mommy lifestyle, I began finding fun things to fill my downtime with; crafts, painting, journaling, phone calls home, even the occasional Bachelor Marathon with the best friend. I learned that if something was important enough, I could make time for it.

Motherhood Taught Me to Love
I loved my baby before I even met her. I loved her kicks when I drank orange juice. I loved her hick-ups that happened at least three times a day. I loved thinking about her as I prepared for her arrival. But I loved her even more once she was in my arms. She was MY baby girl. The one who would look up to me for guidance; the one who would fix her boo-boos; the one she could count on.

But I knew I'd always love her. That was no surprise. The real surprise was the amount of love I had for my husband. We've always been that couple that gets along great and could be locked in a room together for months without losing the enjoyment of one other's company... Well that's how we were before Little Miss arrived. When she finally did arrive, it was a struggle to make time for each other and not focus all the attention on our new responsibility. 

Thankfully, the life of parenthood turned into a normal routine. And boy oh boy does my hubby shine at being a daddy. Seeing him love my baby girl just makes me love him more. Anyone could tell that he is her favorite by the big smile she gives him every morning saying "Daddy Daddy" over and over (you only hear her say "mama" when she is unhappy or needs something....that little stinker). 

He really has been the best helper to me over this last year. I don't think there is any way I could raise our daughter, go to school, and keep the house in order without him. 

Motherhood Taught Me to Listen

 Jump back a few years to when I was holding one of my baby cousins. I knew babies were cute and cuddly then, but as soon as they started crying, I was the first person to give them back to their mother. I never understood the magic powers a parent had with their crying baby... Until now. I realized that that the "magic power" comes from listening to their baby's cues everyday. Because I've listened to Little Miss's needs and wants, it's become easy to understand what I need to do to help her.