I think I've experienced true anxiety twice in my life.
The first time was when I was 40 weeks pregnant with Charlie. I was scheduling my induction date, and found out that the doctor on call for that date was the one who had botched my D&E the year earlier (sending me to the hospital by ambulance). Thank you Charlie for coming before that date (and for my favorite doctor being on call.)
The second time was when Charlie was a few days old. Daylight Savings Time had just kicked in, and watching the sun go down sent me into a fit of nerves. Charlie liked to party all night until he was about a month old, and I knew I would be up all night by myself. The thought was terrifying and so lonely...thank goodness I figured out how to turn things around and get that boy sleeping!
Becoming a mother completely changed my life...but it did so for the better, in every way. This past weekend, I was thinking about how much I love the stage my children are in right now. They still need me and love on me, but I don't have to pack the entire house to go out for the morning. (Even though, seeing a little 0-3months outfit this weekend did absolutely nothing for this baby fever of mine.)
I was reading Jillian Michaels' article in Parenting Magazine recently, and really loved what she had to say about being a mother. She said, "...I was learning that parenthood is the great equalizer. Everyone starts as a beginner and improves with time. I have accepted that a part of me (would never be the same) but another part of me was being born. My kids are remaking me into a stronger, more selfless woman-a woman I can be proud of."
Kind of fantastic, right? Even if you're not a mother, I think the point of my thoughts is that each stage of our life will present us with difficulties and challenges, but that we should embrace them with determination..and even excitement.
Happy Monday, everyone! Have the best week!
Linking up with Molly
39 comments :
Love this post! I completely agree, I'm loving the stage by girls are in-needy yet easy at the same time!
what a great post?! and so true. Thanks!
Wonderful words even for those of us who aren't mothers yet but will be someday... Or for our own self to remember it's always a journey. Love the smiley picture:) So precious.
Lovely post Ashley. I always celebrate O's birthday by celebrating the fact that on that day I became a mother. That "little" (he was 9 lb 6 oz) guy coming to my life was completely life-changing. And the longer I do this, the more confident I become!
What a great way to start my Monday, thanks for posting this Ashley.
love that, and totally agree. even if you aren't a mom that is so relevant!
This is so true! My children has given me so much strength. They are amazing.
You are so right, there is a moment when you realize you aren't a new mother anymore and officially feel like a mother!
Hailey @ Love, Laughter and Lipstick
Anxiety twice in you life? WOW! I experience about every other day. ;) Maybe that will change one day.
xoxo
A-
it is so beautiful hearing you talk about motherhood, as well!! those sweet boys have a sweet mama!
that is a great quote. and what a good perspective. i feel a little overwhelmed somedays when I think about becoming a mom and how much our life will change, but love reading posts like this and then can't wait!!
First of all, that picture of Walker is killing me with all its cuteness. Second, your hair looks va-va-voooom in that first pic ;)
I just love how much you love those boys. Its so obvious :)
You are so wise. I love your honestly!.I'm not a parent, but I have already had some freak out moments that I won't be "good enough." Parenting definitely is an equalizer!
I think this is a great message for non-mothers, too. The stages where I didn't have a boyfriend yet, didn't have a husband yet, didn't have a degree yet, etc. were all difficult in their own ways.
These stages are probably harder to get through these days, in a time when everyone is broadcasting every moment of their life on Facebook and Twitter (I think blogs are different; most bloggers are more real and down-to-earth). We are constantly bombarded with news of what everyone else is doing, and that makes us compare ourselves to others.
Ummm.... YES!!! I love this! I need to remember this quote when I'm having those moments of betting myself up because I'm not the "perfect" mother!
Well said! I totally agree. Thank you for your words!
I just love your posts about motherhood. look how far you've come from those panic attacks, to having two little beautiful boys.
Your boys are so precious, A. :) Love your thoughts on motherhood. So excited to get there one day.
Love the Jillian quote! So true. It makes me feel better at where I am in my motherhood experience. And I can sympathize on the daylights savings time. Henry was 4 days old when we went through that lovely day. Luckily I had Jason to help me through it. But that first week kinda just ran together anyways. It didn't matter when it was dark or light out. If I had a window I took it and got some sleep :)
This is so sweet. I'm excited to join the "beginners." :-)
I always love hearing these stories from you! And I love that quote from Jillian Michaels. So perfect.
Moving through stages is bittersweet. My oldest is almost 14 now. I love that she is of the age where I don't have to drag her everywhere with me. I love that she is very independent, but at the same time, I panic thinking I only have 4 more years with her under my roof. I miss the baby, toddler, child stage, but I do love the stage we are at now.
well said! it is so nice to see someone loving the stages of their children's lives as they are happening. so often you hear people remember them later instead.
Precious pictures and so true about the bittersweet that different stages bring. It reminds me to really cherish each day.
xo
Morgan
Looking back, man I was such a newbie that knew NOTHING. It's so true, you learn as you go and get stronger and wiser. Being a mom is the greatest gift in life...even though it's the most trying one at the same time!
This is so sweet and encouraging for those of us who haven't braved the "mom" thing yet :)
I LOVE this! I had so much anxiety when I first had Wyatt. I felt like a failure and like I was a horrible mother. Positive people and thoughts made it so much easier for me. I love what Jillian Michaels wrote, so true.
I think I've had true anxiety twice in the past hour. ;)
I have no babies, but as a nanny.. I got a taste of it. man oh man.
I like that - how true it is though, right??? I know I have improved with time!
You're definitely right! Each stage of life does come with new challenges and I think the only time i've had really bad anxiety was when i went off to college. and I love these pictures! You can tell they are best friends :)
xo,
Angela
Nothing does my baby hunger any good right now ;) I love how chunky your boys are! They are going to be absolute studs!
So true for any "stage" of life. I am in this in between stage of post-college pre-real-life, but instead of just wishing for another stage, I am learning to love the one I am in now, despite the fact that others refuse to define it. Your boys are the sweetest, and as a woman who dreams of being a mother one day, you are truly an inspiration!
xx
Here&Now
Your boys are darling! I don't have kids, but I basically raised my siblings (16 years younger). I feel like I am more equipped than most of my friends, but it is totally different once they are yours. I am anxious, yet reluctant to have children right now. all in due time i suppose :D
I'd love for you to join our Blog Hop going on now: http://www.mythriftychic.com/
xoxo Tori
Your boys are darling! I don't have kids, but I basically raised my siblings (16 years younger). I feel like I am more equipped than most of my friends, but it is totally different once they are yours. I am anxious, yet reluctant to have children right now. all in due time i suppose :D
I'd love for you to join our Blog Hop going on now: http://www.mythriftychic.com/
xoxo Tori
I agree! My boys just had their birthdays which always makes me sad. But I am trying to embrace the good things about this stage...like no diaper bag :)
So well stated! I totally agree with you. :)
www.shannonheartsblog.com
Very well said! And yes there really are good and bad things about every stage- but they are just that stages and will go way too quickly so we need to try and just enjoy them!
I really like how you drew that parallel to non-motherhood because that's totally how I think about it too :)
Love this post!! The pics are sooooo adorable!! Love your insight :-)
Hope y'all are having a wonderful weekend
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