7 Months of Motherhood

My daughter started her 7 month of life outside the womb at the beginning of this month and IT IS THE SWEET SPOT, for me anyway. She is so “talkative” and eager to learn and be independent. I just love how she is developing into her own little person! It sounds generic, but I have never loved anyone as much as I love my baby. She has truly changed my life and who I am for the better. This is what 7 months of motherhood has taught me… so far.

Smile More, Laugh Often

What I feel, she feels. Children can pick up on what their parents feel and it affects them. I have noticed her demeaner change when I am frustrated or overwhelmed or just irritated in general. I never want her to feel those things, especially because of me, so I am using it as motivation to organize and prioritize my life so that I am happier, for her. I don’t expect to be smiling and laughing 24/7 but I will show her happiness more when I am feeling it and try to be positive when I’m not.

Embrace Change and Growth

She is growing and developing a personality; and so am I, but as a mom. As I watch her, I am in awe. She is growing up fast and though she is still very young, she has accomplished so much. Unlike some parents who want their children to “stop growing so fast” or to “stay little,” I love watching her grow and change. I think it helps me to stay happy in the moment. She also inspires me do the same in my life. I want to be like her. I have never been so motivated in my near 33 years of life than in the past 7 months of motherhood. If I am going to be the best mom to my little babe, then I need to grow and change, because it’s not all about me anymore and I want her to know I will do anything for her.

Responsibility

I need to keep her safe and happy. This comes with many extra duties I am happy to take on. As a new mom, there are the standard responsibilities of feeding, cleaning, changing diapers, pediatrician appointments, sure. Motherhood also comes with internal responsibilities to be good role model, to be a protector and confidante, to give her the best life but also teach her lessons. It’s A LOT. I see now why #momlife can be a challenge but also so rewarding. We really are changing the world.

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Live with Intention

The choices I make affect more than just myself now. I’m going to make good ones for myself, to make sure I am always here for her, but also for my daughter to watch. I believe in the power of mindset and that life is what you make of it. So, I am going to live my life with the intention to be present with my family, make choices that better our lives, and make her proud.

See Beauty in the Day-to-Day

Watching her love and curiosity of all things helps me see how blessed we are with what we have. She doesn’t see what we can’t afford or the standards social media sets for people. She is amazed by our little fish tank, the weird muppet sounds her dad makes, and a rotating ceiling fan. When she is happy, I’m happy. Experiencing life through the eyes of a child has brought so much more excitement and wonder to it.

Importance of Contact

Hugs, kisses, holding hands; all things needed to bond and feel a connection. Every time I hug her I feel like we get a little bit closer. Sometimes, she’ll cry and I give her everything to make her stop. When nothing helps, I pick her up, hold her, walk her around a bit and realize she just wanted that contact. To feel my love, to feel wanted. She needs it, my husband needs it, we all do. It really is an important part of any healthy relationship. So give give hugs when you can. It can make a world of difference.

Being a mom has made me a better person because I am conscious of my role in my daughter’s life. As she grows up, she is going to look to me for guidance whether I like it or not. I can see it even now in her seventh month. So I am working on being a person she can be proud of. Not a perfect person, but a person she trusts and loves to be with. Motherhood can be challenging at times, but I am finding that there is more joy than anything.