Teachings From Ava in Her First Year...

September 1st, 2016 - A Mothers Love is so Strong

On this day I received a call from my doctor that my daughter could possibly have a cyst on her gallbladder. This is the first time I cried and the first time that I felt the love a mother has for her baby. It hurts us so badly when we see our babies upset or hurting, even inside the womb.

January 15th, 2017 - Nothing good ever comes easy.

I had the best pregnancy. One without morning sickness, without constant pain, and I could still go on with my life. My water broke at home, we packed our bags and went to the hospital knowing that within the next 24 hours I would be a mom and my life would change forever. What I didn't know was that delivery is the hardest, most uncomfortable thing EVER. However, if it wasn't for that I wouldn't know that the most beautiful things come from the hardest situations. This was only the beginning of this teaching, because parenting isn't easy but it is always rewarding.

January 17th, 2017 - It is not just about me

Picture this: standing in an elevator with new baby bundled up in the car seat ready to take our first steps outside. You see the world differently as a mom. My lens changed. I began to feel the cold on my face far more than I did before, so I made sure my baby was bundled before I was. I saw cars driving too fast in the loading zone, so I was so careful to make sure my baby was okay. I saw everything in such a new light that was a constant reminder that it is not just about me and my needs. This baby depends on me for everything, and it is my job to protect her with everything that I have.

February 15th, 2017 - It's okay to leave me

Just a month ago I was in the hospital delivering my beautiful bundle of joy. Now I am sitting at home having major anxiety about going back to school. This is the day that I have to leave my baby and spend the day in school without her. HOW?!?!?! It is so crazy to explain, but with the bond Ava and I have, I felt her looking at me sayings its okay mommy, I will be okay. I felt at peace leaving, and it only got easier.

March 22nd, 2017 - You're not just a mom

After having Ava I went into super mom mode. There wasn't a second of the day that I would not think about her, or something that I could be doing for her, or how I was at fulfilling my mom duties. This is exhausting. And I saw myself quickly declining in how much energy I had to actually be a mom and live presently. I then joined soccer, started to worry about my needs, purpose and things that excite me. Of course those things were all being a mom, but I also had to step back and redefine myself as a woman and not just a mom.

April 21st, 2017 - Travelling with a baby is different

Exhausted but happy to have landed I have realized that travelling with a baby is different. It made me prepare better for the craziness of the airport but it also made me realize that no amount of preparation will be enough. Upon returning to come home Ava was like a different baby. She didn't want to be in the carrier, she struggled on the airplane and could not get comfortable. Travelling with children is ALWAYS changing. One minute you think you have it all figured out and the next you are googling things to find out how to soothe your child in the airport.

June 29th, 2017 - You're going to not have it together sometimes

After attending some mommy groups I have realized that sometimes you are going to walk in there with your diaper bag on your shoulder, the latest fashion trends, baby on hip and swagger in your step. You will be the mom that everyone looks too as goals. You will also walk into that mommy class late, with your hair in a bun, bags under your eyes, sweat pants on wondering how you possibly got yourself to this class in the first place. You will be the mom people look to as a mess but real. There is no room for judgment in the mommy world, our kids don't need us to be put together all the time, they need us to be present. Embrace the chaos.

December 31st, 2017 - Life is short

The nights seem so long and the days seem so short. Before I knew it the year was already gone and my baby is almost 1. When I reflect on life as a new mom, I think about the amazing moments we have had together, the times where I saw myself grow and become more independent, the times I saw my baby hit new milestones. The quote that stands out to me this year is fall down 7 times stand up 8. This is what Ava has taught me. It doesn't matter how many times we think we have fallen, there is always a way to stand up and come back stronger.

Happy New Year! I can not wait for the many more teachings that my baby girl will have for me in the years to come.

#Family #Coupling #QualityTime #DayIn #AtHome