11.13.2013

I Am Mama, Hear Me Roar


Just moments before we left the hospital as a family of three. 


Can I level with y'all for a little bit?

Before Caroline's arrival, I was a tad (read: a lot) scared about bringing a third person into our home. Don't get me wrong, I was ecstatic to be having a baby and I could not wait to see her sweet face in person. But, for a first time mama undergoing a major surgery to have said baby, I was a wee bit concerned about the adjustment period once we got her home.

I'm here to tell you girls, it has been amazing.

Flat-out, without a doubt, hands-down amazing.

I really don't know why the heck I was so worried. Because once you see your babe's face, you just know - inherently know - that you were made for this. Granted, Stephen and I were very fortunate to have both of our moms come and help out for the days following the C-section. And I'll admit, we kind of drew the lucky straw in terms of content babies. (Caroline has been a pretty easy baby and for that I'm very, very thankful.)

But the transition from two to three has been, well, a non event. It feels like we've known her forever, even though it has only been four short weeks.

Have there been trying days? Sure. Especially those first days home when everyone is trying to figure each other out. Baby-raising is far from glamourous. It's clumsy and humbling, and - yes, I'll admit this - occasionally involves muttering a few colorful words under one's breath.

But here's the thing that no one tells you, future mommas. No matter what situation you're dealt with, no matter how "easy" or "difficult" the baby, regardless of if the baby comes out your tummy, your - ahem- nether regions or out the top of your head, YOU JUST DO IT.

I'm convinced that every female has an autopilot mode that is flipped on when/if she becomes a mom. It's a side of yourself you'll never see until you have a kiddo. And it's awesome and powerful and all-consuming.

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I was scared of breastfeeding, but committed to giving it my all, as long as she was able to take my milk. And we are doing it. 

I was hesitant to try babywearing for fear I'd drop her. And although it took practice and a few clumsy attempts, we are doing it.

I have a horribly weak stomach and was a little afraid changing diapers might be the end of me, (although that sounds ridiculous now.) And we are doing it.

I was afraid I wouldn't know how to console her when she cried. And, turns out, it's one of my favorite things about being a mom; I love having that mommy superpower of being able to soothe my child better than anyone.
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We women are so much more powerful than we think. I'm learning things about myself that I never knew. I'm digging deeper and, in raising this baby girl, she's teaching me a whole lot about myself.

If you're pregnant or hoping to be a mama yourself one day, fear not.

You got this.

17 comments:

  1. I worried about some of the exact same things before having my son. And now, almost 6 months later, I truly can't imagine life without him. Yes, there are nights when my husband and I want to laugh when we think about how it's a Friday and we are staying in because it's just easier than carting the baby out past his bedtime. And yes, there are nights when the little man wakes up wanting to play at 4am when we should all be sleeping soundly. And yes, I admit - I have gone to work with spit up on my shirt. But none of that matters in the whole scheme of things. Because I am Mama to a precious child. And you are right - there is absolutely nothing that compares!:) Us mamas do some amazing things!

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  2. I too worried about the exact same things and now that Easton is almost 6 months old I have surprised my self on more than one occasion! Sure there are ups and downs and trying times but there always will be. There is truly nothing that compares and it is hands down the most rewarding thing ever! I love being a mom. I told myself for years that I only wanted one child but after having one, I want more :)

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  3. I was the same way with Cohen. And I was even more worried with Landry because I was afraid of how it would "rock the boat" of a routine that we had going on. But? It has been wonderful! I can't imagine our life without her here! There have been challenging days with 2, and trying moments, and still times when I don't know what I'm doing or what I should do, but I love being a mommy to my two sweeties. You said it perfectly!

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  4. nothing, nothing better than being the one to make your babe stop crying. A year in and it's still a thrill!

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  5. Thanks for these sweet words! We don't have kids and we aren't trying (at the moment), but every time I do something stupid or if I feel completely unprepared to handle the stress of life, I get really down about things and think "how will I ever manage having a child if I can't handle these simple things?" Thanks for the encouragement :)

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  6. What a perfect post, and I completely couldn't agree more! It is totally something that just happens, and I love, love it!!!!

    wordsaboutwaverly.blogspot.com

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  7. Oh my goodness your words are amazing. I cannot wait to be a mom someday... but every once in a while the thought and responsibility overwhelms me. Thank You for sharing and putting so many moms and moms to be at ease! We got this!!

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  8. Bravo!! *standing ovation*

    Seriously.

    This post is amazing.

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  9. Beautiful said, gorgeous mama! I'm glad that sweet Caroline is doing so well!

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  10. This is such an awesome post, thank you for sharing and being so positive! You are absolutely glowing, motherhood agrees with you :) Also, Caroline is so adorable! xoxo

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  11. Loved this. Nice to know and hear. And so glad things are going well for you.

    www.wearflowersinyourhair.com

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  12. I love this! You are just the cutest (and inspiring-est) little mama ever! :)

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  13. What an encouraging post! It has been such a sweet journey watching you with your sweet girl!! :)

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  14. well said!
    congrats on your sweet girl mama, you look great!

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  15. This post has the most perfect timing for me... I am due 12/25 and have many if the same fears you describe. Thank you for speaking to my heart!

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  16. Your post is spot on, sister! This is exactly what I try to tell my expectant friends. You never think you are ready or will be good at being a momma, but a switch is flipped and it just comes naturally. It is the most rewarding and challenging job you will ever have. My baby boy is now a nine year old and I have loved every step/stage of raising him and being his momma. Congrats to you and your family on your newest addition! Enjoy every moment, even the not so fun ones. :)

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  17. Love this post, girl. I, too, worry about bringing a third person home someday... I mean, I want to.. but it's also scary and it worries me..and and and everything you said.. Thanks for this. XOXO!

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