photo by Brittany Copenhaver

Having a child changes your life in so many ways! Some changes are amazing, but others are the most challenging things you will ever face. I’m a normal mom just like you and am constantly learning how to be the best I can be in this new season. In this blog post I wanted to share some of the things I have learned from the first year since having my son.

• Enjoy the “lil things”!

Mom life isn’t always glamorous. You get thrown up on, blown out on, are exhausted and run on coffee, BUT nothing beats the little smile and the love that your little one gives you. Stay positive mama, and enjoy all the small moments of each “first”, take every cuddle your little one gives you, and shower your baby with unconditional love!

• Everyone Has An Opinion

There is value in taking advice from people around you. However, when I got pregnant and after having my son, I was overwhelmed with people telling me “to do this and do that”. Everywhere I turned someone was telling me their opinions on how to raise my son. Whether that was breastfeeding, vaccinations, everyday activities, sleep training, etc. Do what YOU feel is best for your baby! I honestly thought I wouldn’t know a thing about taking care of a baby, but I was surprised that I naturally knew what to do. You’ve got this! You were made for this! And if you ever have questions, ask someone you trust.

• Every Child Is Different

It is so easy as a mom to say “my friends baby was doing this by such and such an age, why isn’t my child doing that [?]”. Or “your child is so calm and well-behaved, I have a rebellious little one”. Do not compare your child to another little one! Instead, recognize that every child is different and grows/develops at their own pace, in their own unique way. Hang in there, your child will sleep through the night, gain weight, get teeth, start walking, start talking, and learn what “no” means. It will be at his or hers own pace.

• Life Really Does Change

Having a baby changes your schedule and activities (an obvious one, I know). Going into motherhood, I don’t think I grasped just how much everything would change. We were late to everything or missed activities completely because our schedule revolved around eating and sleeping times. We struggled getting date nights because we didn’t want to leave our son, I started having health problems, and we were just exhausted. I also started feeling lonely because I wasn’t a social butterfly anymore. Give yourself time to adjust! Just like when people get married and are learning to live with your spouse, this season of parenthood is learning to live with and care for your sweet little one. It takes time to adjust and work through different emotions. Embrace the change, it is just a season. Family is the most important thing.

These are just a couple of things that I learned through pregnancy and year one. Just want to encourage all the mamas reading to enjoy this season and keep positive! You can do this! What are some things you have learned through pregnancy, the first year of being a mom, or the many years of motherhood? Thanks so much for reading!

Like, Comment, and Share! Don’t forget to follow this blog here on wordpress, as well as Facebook and Instagram! 🙂