Sunday, June 14, 2009

Motherhood

A mommy and son moment.

I have been a mother for over a month now. Is there a medal or trophy for that accomplishment? I realize that women do it all the time, but I feel like I deserve an award for surviving the last few weeks.

I expected motherhood to be a challenge. Believe me, I read all the books and heard all the warnings of other parents. Nothing, however, could have truly prepared me for this first month. Our lives have changed dramatically now that we have a child, and the adjustment has taken some getting used to. I have already had my share of emotional meltdowns, probably due to the combination of haywire hormones, sleep deprivation, and the simple fact that this is the biggest life transition I have ever experienced. Motherhood has taken more commitment, time and energy than I ever thought I had. There have been numerous moments of missing my past life of independence and freedom, moments when I have thought, "What did we get ourselves into?" For the first time in my life, I believe I am truly learning what it means to love unconditionally and sacrificially.

And yet, motherhood has also been more wonderful than I could have imagined. I am amazed at how much love I have for my son. The sense of delight and adoration I have for him overwhelm me sometimes. There are mornings when I wake up, and my first thought of the day is, "I can't wait to see my child, I miss him so much!" I will hold him in my arms, and just want to soak in the moment forever. I am convinced that at least in some part, I was made to be a mother. Something in me is wired to love and protect and cherish my son, and it feels so right to finally step into this role.

Motherhood is terrifying and thrilling, and if I made it through this first month, I think I can make it through the rest.

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Photos from Aaron's first month can be found here.

14 comments:

  1. Aww. What a cute photo. Aren't nose kisses the best? I used to do that with my mom :)

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  2. This is beautiful. I can't wait to join your club!

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  3. Oh, absolutely you can! The first month is the toughest, and yes, you totally deserve a medal for making it through. :)

    That photo is so adorable, I can't get over it! I'm so thrilled for you and your little family!

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  4. It just keeps getting better and better (and easier and easier). The first few months are rough.

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  5. Congratulations on this milestone. You are meant to be a Mom, as I felt when I became a Mom, and God is honored and glorified!

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  6. you go girl! yes, you do deserve an award. though i've never been a mother, i know the physical and emotional ups and downs that it comes with :) you are amazing!

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  7. Mama's DO deserve an award! Truly!
    I remember when I had my first baby. I suddenly felt a newfound respect for everyone that had ever birthed a child or looked after a newborn. It's not for the faint hearted.

    Well done, and congratulations on making it through the first month. Its so much easier from here on...I promise ;o)

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  8. absolutely love this post larissa. and i think every parent deserves an award for raising a child, i can only imagine how difficult and rewarding it can be :)

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  9. This was fantastic. :) You're living up to be quite the fabulous mommy!

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  10. Oh, I love this. Everybody should know what they are missing and know what they are giving up to love the precious life that has come into their own.

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  11. He is absolutely adorable!! I love his smiley pictures!!

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  12. Awards and trophies come after he's old enough to give hugs, I think.

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