Friday, January 04, 2008

A New Mom's Attempt at Survival Part VII: Epilogue


i suppose i can no longer call myself a "new mom" now that i've been one for a whole year already. over the past few days i've done a fair bit of reminiscing about the last year, especially what was going on in our lives exactly one year ago. one year ago today was our first full day home from the hospital with our precious little bundle. my mom arrived in the evening and everything is sort of a blur in my mind because i was very much in shock and in pain and more in love than i've ever been before.


i've learned more about myself in the past year than i have in the previous 27 years put together. waking up this year on january 1st to tristan's little voice chatting in his crib, i felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. i've made it! i have made it through an entire year and not only is my child still in one piece, but i'm in one piece as well! i tiptoed into my little boy's room and began singing "happy birthday to you!" and the smile that lit up his chubby little face is one i'll never forget.


it was a wonderful day. tristan napped well and awoke to his cousins and other family members ready to bestow him with gifts. his eyes lit up when he saw everyone there and they kept shining all day long. he got some amazing gifts including super cool books and enough pants to open his own clothing store! he enjoyed his first taste of sugar, though after a few small bites of his cupcake, he was done and happily watched us all enjoy our cupcakes. after the food and presents we all went to a nearby park where he smiled and laughed and smiled some more as he went down slides and on swings and played in the sand. i know he is a blessed little boy to have so many people that love him dearly in his life.


so, what exactly have i learned in the last year?


*i've learned that, amazingly, my body is able to function on 2 hours of sleep. my mind is another story.


*i've learned that when my own baby smiles up at me for the first time, everything else suddenly doesn't seem to matter as much as it did before.


*i've learned not to be ashamed to admit that i need help. in fact, it's okay to beg for help when i really need it. and if that help comes in the form of medication, that's okay too.


* i've learned that i have some amazing friends and family who genuinely care and support me. i've learned just how God's amazing love for me is reflected in the people who serve Him.


* i've learned how to make my own baby food.


*i've learned (for the most part) to do what is best for my own child despite what others may think, or the advice they may give.


*i've learned patience....and selflessness.... and that the phrase "this too shall pass" is really true.


*i've learned that just when i think i've got this whole motherhood thing down, something else changes to throw me off and keep me humble.


*i've learned that my husband is a greater daddy than i ever dared to hope for.


*i've learned how to change a poopy diaper in all sorts of odd places. and how to nurse in public without flashing everyone.


*i've learned that God has given josh and i such a great responsibility, but also such a wonderful blessing. and i've learned to thank God for this blessing every single day, no matter how hard that day has been.

14 comments:

Aimee said...

Awesome post Heidi! What a year it has been. So full and rich. May you be blessed with countless more.

Anonymous said...

Loved it!

Thirsty said...

congrats Heidi on Tristans first birthday. Sounds like it was a lot of fun.

Shannon said...

perfect and so true.

Dena said...

You're beautiful!

Jennifer said...

lovely...

Anonymous said...

very nicely written.

Jack Ensor said...

You know, you should be proud of yourself. You didn't have an easy year either, and I think that's what's most impressive. Good job.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful post!!
Andrea

L&D said...

Lovely post my friend. You truly have blossomed into a wonderful mom. Proud of you.

Marion McCready said...

Belated Birthday greetings to little Tristan, he's very fortunate to have such a caring family.

Z-Mama said...

A whole year...it sure does fly by...

Kathy said...

What a fantastic ride parenting is! You're doing great!!

Lovella ♥ said...

Well done Heidi. Thank you for sharing from your heart and allowing us to see how mothering is done with love.