What a difference 3 months makes!

In the short three months of Benny's life, I can confidently say I have learned oodles. I can also confidently say that I have a long ways to go. It is like the more you know, the more you realize you have to learn.  Here are just some of my personal reflections on what I have learned.

Love that 'stache

1. "This doesn't last forever"
I read an article that really helped me see things in a different light. Everyone tells you,  "it just goes so fast. Enjoy every minute!" I disagree with this advice. No matter how hard you try you will not enjoy every minute of being a mother. In fact there are many things I would not mind trading in. I prefer the advice "this doesn't last forever." I like to remind myself in the good and the bad moments that it is fleeting. It helps me get through it, but also helps me enjoy myself. Benny had colic and gave us all a bit of a run for our money. I had to remind myself that he would not cry forever. I also look at those gummy smiles, coos and flirty eyes and remember "this doesn't last forever."

Gotta love a chubby baby in a wife beater

2. Being Well Read Causes Neuroses

I love to read, and have done myself the disservice of over researching motherhood. I read "Babywise" which convinced me that because I still do not have a child that will sleep through the night, I am doing something wrong.  Among this book there were many others that contradicted themselves. What one book preached, another warned never to do. It is enough to make a girl mad. I say trust your instincts. Every kid is different and there is no one book with all the answers.

Mr. Chubby Cheeks

3. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Joe will tell you that I am still working on this, but as a new mom it is easy to worry. People have been having kids for centuries, and they have all turned out fine for the most part. If you miss a nap, or let him sleep in his car seat, let mealtime get off schedule, or let your child get entranced by the TV because it is the first time they have been happy in hours, chances are your child will still turn out ok. It is not worth the worry.

Sweet Smiles

4. Triumph Over All
Going from working a full time job, a part time job, working on my masters and being the YW president to being a stay at home mom has been quite the adjustment. I was positive that I was going to have all the time in the world to work on hobbies, play with friends and catch up on all the organizing i had always promised myself i would do once I had more time. Well turns out none of that has happened. I have learned that my days feel a lot less productive which has forced me to triumph in the small things. Sometimes I have to tell myself the the most important thing I did today was love and care for my baby and that is enough. I do not feel like I am getting more done. On the contrary, I feel like it is a miracle to get the little done that I do each day, but that is okay.

Being a mom is by far the hardest thing i have ever done. It also happens to be the most rewarding and delightful thing I have ever experienced. I am sure there are more adventures that await me and  I say "Bring it on!"