20 Things I’ve Learned About Motherhood

This is my very first babe, born in March, 1993. {disregard the huge glasses, it was 90’s ya know!}

Today marks my 2oth Mother’s Day. Wow, 20 years. It doesn’t seem possible that 20 years have passed since I first laid eyes on this beauty-
Baby Rebecca, 1993

But, alas, 20 years have indeed passed. And I’ve learned so very much about motherhood. 

20 Things I’ve Learned About Motherhood:

1. I’ve learned that no matter what, seeing your baby for the first time takes away every moment of pain, discomfort, and stress you’ve endured for the previous 9 months, and even those moments right before birth. (Yes, even those intense last moments of labor!)

2. I’ve learned that, if you allow it to happen, pregnancy and birth can bring you and your husband closer than ever.

3. I’ve learned that watching your parents hold your babies fills you with a joy like no other.

My Dad holding Rebecca, 1993

My Dad playing with Thomas, 1995

My Mom holding Natalie right after she was born, 1999

My Mom holding Mary, 2003 

5.  I’ve learned that no matter how prepared you think you are for motherhood, there’s still quite a learning curve.

6 . I’ve learned that children do grow up, in spite of our desire to keep them small.

Thomas and “his baby”, Natalie, 1999

7. I’ve learned that while I want them to stay small, watching them grow up and take care of their siblings is wonderful.

Rebecca-10, Thomas-8, Natalie-4, Mary- 2 months, 2003

8. I’ve learned that some days are just hard. But, it’s those days that make you cherish the fun days.

My Honey’s Mama, Martha, with my niece, Sarah, and my Rebecca, (born 22 days apart) in 1993

9. I’ve learned there comes a time when you have to let go of their hands and let them walk on their own, no matter how hard that is to do.

Mary, almost a year old, 2004

10. I’ve learned that if you sow into their hearts and souls as children, they can grow up to be your friends. You can’t, however, be their friends when you need to be their parent. The friendship comes later. When they’re little, they need you to be their parent.

11. I’ve learned that teaching your children is one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.

Thomas and Mary with Goatie, 2004

12. I’ve learned that, no matter what you never really grow out of being your Mom’s baby.

My parents with my babies, 2003

13. I’ve learned that being together is the best place to be.

Rebecca-7, Thomas-4, Natalie 2 months 1999

14. I’ve learned that motherhood is work. But, not work in the sense that it’s drudgery. Work in the sense you never lack for things to do. BUT, those things are because of the incredible gift you’ve been given in children. Your attitude towards that work determines how “hard” it is. 

15. I’ve learned that life is indeed most precious. After losing our 5th babe to miscarriage in 2007, I clung very tightly to these little (and not so little) people more than ever before.

16. I’ve learned that you can do things you never before dreamed possible, just because there is someone counting on you for their very sustenance.

17. I’ve learned that there is nothing stronger than a Mama’s love, except for a Daddy’s love.

My Dad holding Natalie shortly after she was born- 1999. (Yes, my sweet Dad was present for 2 of my births!)

18. I’ve learned that there truly is nothing a Mama won’t do for her children.

19. I’ve learned that letting go is one of the hardest things a Mama will ever have to do for her children, but even that can be done. (In small doses, of course!)

20. I’ve learned that the greatest honor a woman can have is to be called Mama. 

Me holding Mary 2003

My second Mom, Aunt Di, my Mom, and Rebecca in 1993.

Di went home to Jesus in 1995, while I was pregnant with Thomas. I miss her more with each passing day.