Since becoming a Mama for the first time a little more than a year ago, I have certainly learned a thing or two. In fact, I could title this post, 365 lessons in motherhood, because I truly feel like I have learned something new every single day. These five themes continued to be true, time and time again in all different circumstances.
#1. You can't rush or stop time.
This one may seem rather obvious, but I have never wanted to freeze time more than as a brand new Mommy, and I have never wanted the hours to fly by more than at 1, and 2, and 3 am. This past year I truly tried to just be present in the current moment as much as possible, sandwiched between being amazed at how big my baby was becoming, and realizing that she will never ever be quite this small again. When she was born, I felt like the clock started and no matter what, I can't control it so I might as well just enjoy it.
# 2. Everything is harder when you are tired.
This is so true for me especially. Becoming a mother for the first time (and I would imagine the 2nd, 3rd, 4th time) is emotional. Labor, and recovery, and breastfeeding is exhausting, add on sleeping in 3 hour increments (if you are lucky) for a couple of months and even the smallest, most mundane tasks seem exhausting. Things feel heavier and a little fuzzy. So happy but sleepy for sure.
# 3. It's not that it gets easier, you just get better.
At first the small things are absolutely the big things. One more notch on your mommy belt, another task you accomplished flying solo, and as that baby grows, some things actually get harder, but you just become better. Your confidence grows and you realize how much you can balance. This is something I am already even looking forward to with future babies, the extra ease and comfort of knowing I've been there before and I know the way now.
# 4. You can't do it all, all the time.
In my former life I was an elementary teacher, which is amazing training for mommy hood and multitasking. I used to be able to take attendance, eat breakfast, unzip jackets, and answer the phone all at the same time. Motherhood is very much the same, all the things, all the time, but you learn your limits and what is just going to be a hard no in this season of your life. I am still learning this and trying to remember to give myself grace every single day.
#5. It will always take longer than you think.
I am kind of laughing at this one, but it's so true. Before baby getting out the door simply meant grabbing my purse which consisted of keys, wallet, phone, and maybe a little lip gloss. Post baby, pretty much however long I anticipate something taking, I now go ahead and safely tack on an additional 15 minutes to allow for extra diaper changes, loading up, pit stops, outfit changes, or just space to give myself room to breathe and not feel rushed.
I could go on and on for days because truly everyday is a different experience. What lessons in motherhood are you currently learning?
*All photographs by Michelle Leonard photography
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