Do you remember your biggest lesson in motherhood?
For me, it’s not one big lesson that comes to mind, but a constant flow of reminders and a-ha moments that repeat itself throughout the cycle of our days.
Motherhood is a dichotomy of emotions. It’s raw and it’s pure. It’s been the greatest teacher in my life and I know that I’m learning constantly about myself as a mother and a woman.
[bctt tweet=”Motherhood is a dichotomy of emotions. It’s raw and it’s pure. It’s been the greatest teacher in my life… ” username=”simplyeveryblog”]I remember taking this picture when my littlest love was just a couple of weeks old. I was sleep-deprived, hangry all the time, and transitioning to life with two young children. I remember tearing up while writing it then. And here I am less than two weeks away from celebrating his first birthday, re-reading and tearing up again. Because the sentiments ring true for me daily all these months later.
Originally written August 2, 2015.
The days are long, but the years are short. There isn’t a more spot-on phrase to describe this roller coaster journey of motherhood. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience it twice and I’m learning to love myself through the fun days and the long days.
I’m learning to appreciate the little moments; the good ones and the hard ones.
I’m learning to love myself as a mama to my two littles, despite the dark circles under my eyes, white hairs on my head, and soft pudge of my belly that carried them both for 9 months.
I’m learning to forgive myself in my low moments, where my patience for my oldest little seems to be running on empty even at the start of the day; and I am more than exhausted to carry on the seemingly never ending cycle of the newborn days.
I’m learning that even in my worst state, my love for my two littles is in an abundance that I never fathomed possible of my selfish soul.
I’m learning that I am the best me because of them; and their love for me is completely and utterly unconditional despite my shortcomings.
I’m learning that being their mama is God’s greatest gift and life lesson.
To me, this is motherhood.
As the mother of a teenager and a 5 year old, motherhood is a daily reminder of the fact that there is a bigger love. Every day comes with a new lesson!
Every day indeed comes with a new lesson! So true! Thanks for reading!! 🙂
Motherhood is such a learning experience! i had six in ten years. I learned a lot…and was so, so tired.
MAJOR props to you super mama!! Six!!! You’re amazing and loved by many I’m sure, I would LOVE to have a big family. In theory. LOL.
I just love that you still have this – and how beautiful is this picture? This morning, I watched my almost 3 year old play so sweetly, and I just stood in awe that’s she mine. It’s a crazy, hard, and beautiful thing! Loved this so much.
So, so sweet. I just pictured your morning. Thanks for sharing, Kim and thanks for reading as always! xo
100% agree! I get so overwhelmed sometimes. And then other times I remember that someday they aren’t going to be relying on me for everything, and that makes me happy, scared and sad all at the same time. Great post!
The ups and downs are what keeps us on our toes and makes it all worth it, right Abigail? 🙂 Happy almost weekend!
Transitioning to being a Mama to two littles is probably the hardest part of motherhood. One baby seems to be so much easier to accommodate in one’s life – and even in one’s couple. This is especially so if becoming a mother was delayed a long while, or if it was difficult to conceive.
But two? That’s the real game changer!
Adjusting to caring for the needs of two children at two different life stages, and still somehow managing to find time for eating and sleeping – and maybe a shower just for sanity’s sake – that’s when you really know if you can cut the mustard as a parent.
And it’s so worth it when you figure it all out….
Now I’m tearing up too! (We’ll blame that on my older lady hprmones, and not the memories of my four no longer littles!)
Enjoy! As you say, the days are long but those years seem to disappear behind you like a flash. Before you know it, your litttles will be all grown…
You don’t realize how easy it was with one, until the second is here! They have been super easy babies, thankfully. And I had a great post partum experience the second time around that made the transition easy. But, now it’s just making sure both have my attention and logistics!! You’re so sweet for reading and leaving such a thoughtful and wise comment. Thank you for stopping by, please come again to read soon!
Ohh mine is around the same age, and yes it has been a year full of learning!!
The learning never ends, my friend! As my threenager likes to show me every day. LOL
Beautiful! My 3 are 15, 12, and 7 and the learning never ends. But the love and the joy are unending as well, and that’s what makes this journey so amazing!
It is such a joy to hear about the coming years. It is one amazing journey. Thanks for reading Ceci!
Beautifully written.
I’ve learned life is too short.
You never know when something will happen for the last time so cherish it each time.
Hugs with sticky hands are just as good as hugs with clean hands.
The sight of a little face can make your heart explode.
I had no idea I could love someone so profoundly but be so frustrated by them at the same time.
I had no clue it was possible to remove a diaper without unsnapping a onesie. Still not sure how this happens but my toddler knows.
Life is so, so short. We are dealing with lots of loss in our friends/family and we’re trying so hard these days to cherish every moment.
This is so cute that you save it. And the baby is so cute.
Thanks Sophia! I’m so glad I had it to read!
Being a mom is tough but the rewards totally make it worth it!
Definitely! The rewards, oh the rewards we reap are so, so sweet!
That is so cool that you saved this. Motherhood is definitely a learning experience. That quote about the days being long, but the years short is so, so true.
I am SO glad that I saved it! It is a never ending lesson!
This was great – thanks so much for sharing such an awesome post! I’d love for you to
check out my latest post on time management tips for Girl Bosses!
xo Annie
Thanks, will check it out!
So sweet! I remember writing a very similar blog post when my kiddo was 3 months old. Love this!
Thank you so much for reading, I’m so glad I had it saved!
As the mother of two daughters ages 22 & 24 this post leaves me with misty eyes. It’s so true: the days are long but the years are short. I can’t believe how fast time flies. It’s almost like moving through a dream that at first starts off slow and then begins to move more quickly as each year passes. Enjoy motherhood in all it’s beautiful and sometimes imperfect moments. Cherish every minute!
Very well written and very true! Great read!
I love that quote….totally resonates with me.
Great post! I really enjoyed reading it. We live so differently after our kids. We can see how selfishly we lived before they were with us. We give them so much, but they are oh so worth it!!! I feel SO lucky to have kids:)
Motherhood has taught me to slow down and enjoy time at home and with my little family. Before our toddler we were constantly heading to events and gatherings and we said “yes” to everything. I have learned to say “no”.
There is always so much to learn about yourself in motherhood. Just when I think I have something figure out, things change and I’m learning again!
We learn so much from them. Sometimes I feel so bad because I think to myself that I cant wait until she’s old enough to do this on her own. I know I don’t mean it and I have to forgive myself. They grow so quickly and I don’t want to miss these moments. Great read!
The days are long and the years are short. There is not quote more apt than this. I don’t know how you do it but you are amazing!
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It wouldn’t be so rewarding if it wasn’t so hard. I love those little joyful moments in between all the chaos, they’re the ones I’ll be remembering in years to come (when I’m enjoying ALL the sleep!).