As parents, we must wear many hats. We suddenly become teacher, caregiver, nurse, detective, personal shopper, accountant, laundry master, entertainer, chef, personal assistant, event coordinator and much more upon the day our babies are born.
If you're anything like me, nine months before their arrival you try to get as much informations as you can. It’s like we forget our instincts are even part of the hole deal. Or we don’t want to rely too much on something we haven't used but it’s all there. At least for me it was. I love wearing them all, these hats. Someday I put them all on, others only a few but I remain a carrying mother through it all. I truly embrace every aspect of motherhood. There has not been a morning since I knew I was pregnant that I was not happy - my hole experience was very graceful. I did not have morning sickness, I loved my growing belly. I truly felt the most calm, serene and in touch with my self during these 9 months. Granted there has not been a morning where I haven't been happy since I met my husband, of course there has been a few bumps in the road especially in the beginning. I believe, when two people are learning each others we are bound to clash at some occasions but as time move forward and you are with the right person things just get easier.
My husband had to leave for work only 3 weeks after our daughter was born. I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for him. I know it wasn't easy for us but with the right attitude you can accomplish anything. I had made the decision to stay alone with my mother in law nearby instead of flying back to Canada. I felt and still feels up to this day that my home is in Greece. I felt, I wouldn't be so far from my hubby by living in “our things”.
I made our home a love nest. Literally. Since I was breastfeeding all the time. Basically every hour and for hours on haha ! She use to fall asleep while nursing so I set myself up real comfortable with everything at hand reach. Hydrate, ate, catch up with my shows on tivo when she was sleeping and we were bonding every moment of the day. We were so comfortable and in love. We made the best of everyday and looked forward to the next. I loved this time so much spent with her we truly were in sync.
"Motherhood is a lot of things but one that isn't is boring".
Our first bath returning home from the clinic was stressful and tears were shed - some from my daughter. With all the hormones acting out and needless to say the pressure of carrying for a human being who completely depends on me, can be quite overwhelming. The “trick” is to take it day by day. Overall, I had a pretty good hand on everything. My natural mother instinct kicked in and I can look back and say it was somewhat easy. There was difficult times, my daughter had colics for 3 weeks every nights at exactly the same time that lasted a half hour. Again, a lot of tears were shed. Parents cry a lot. Even if we are doing well, times get hard. Nothing is ever perfect. Perfection is overrated anyways.
As I mentioned before I have read a lot of books and by educating myself, I learned it was better to allow our babies to be supervised but on their own to spend some time to discover - at that time, it did not feel right for me so I did what felt right in my heart. She did play and spent time on her back but for most of the first four months of her life she slept on me or in a sling during the day.
What matters the most is that we do what feels right to us. We were glued to each other. We did everything together. Some say it will create a needy child or lacking in confidence well she is nothing short of the absolute opposite. Of course she has needy phase and that’s okay because she is a child.
Today, as she is growing into a beautiful soul and becoming more aware, it is an amazing journey to witness. It truly is the most precious thing in the world to see her blossom. I find it fascinating to learn her personality. I embrace the present but I also am looking to the future when she will talk and we will have discussions, to when we will go do girly things together, get our nails done at the salon or go for a lunch date.
Mumhood is a lifelong journey where we get to be part with our children to witness how they choose the life they want, guide them when they need it and be there for them no matter what.
I look forward to be front row in her life, I look forward to her success and her failure. I look forward to all of it. I feel so proud and lucky to be her mum, I wish that one day she feels the same about me being her mum ;)
Beezeemum