Here are some of the lessons I’ve been learning in the last
ten months:
1. No matter what I do, there will never be enough time in the
day and week. And that’s ok. Life, and particularly motherhood, is not a race.
2. Although I believe we have a special relationship, Jane does
just fine without me while I work. In fact, I think it’s good for her to be
around other people. Her Nana and Auntie Hil love her so much and she lights up
when she sees them. I am so thankful for the time and attention they give to
her and they teach her things that I forget about or have less patience for.
In fact, here are some of the things Jane learned from her
Auntie Hil:
How to stick out her tongue over and over
To dance to ALL different kinds of music
To say (in her own little language) “Are you a….Chowhound?!”
And from her Nana:
How to climb stairs up AND down
To not touch things that are off limits
To “Ride the Horsey”
To clap and flap her arms like a little bird-it’s super
cute!
That Mommy always comes back and it’s ok to be away from her
…and so much more!
3. For the first time in my life, I see little value in making
lists. I know. Gasp!
But here’s why: See #1. There will never be enough time and
something will UNDOUBTEDLY get in the way of my control-freak plan, so rather
than beating myself up for not accomplishing all the little things, I’m trying
to keep the important things at the forefront of my mind and go with the flow.
The little things will work out. Or they won’t. And that’s ok.
4. My time at home is PRECIOUS and I try to take full advantage
of my time with Jane.
5. At the end of the day, I feel more satisfied with a messy
house and a happy child, husband, and dog, than with a clean house and a child
that hasn’t had a story read to her, a husband who hasn’t been kissed and
smiled at, and a dog dying for a walk. It’s really easy for me to sacrifice
those things for clean laundry and a scrubbed toilet and it just isn't worth it!
6. Also, husbands seem a lot more excited to help scrub toilets
on a home-cooked-meal-fed tummy!
7. My attitude truly does determine the mood of our home. When
I am peaceful and loving to my family and to myself, everyone seems calm and
happy. It’s amazing how a short prayer and decision to change my perspective
can restart my day.
These are not lessons I have
learned; they are lessons I am learning
and it can be really challenging to keep a positive attitude, especially when
I’m tired from working the night before, but it is worth it. I am so incredibly
thankful for my job and family and the amazing people with whom I get to spend
my time, especially my sweet little girl!
