Take things one day at a time. One verse that continually encourages me is Lamentations 3:23 "His mercies are new every morning." Just make it through today.
Don't sweat the small stuff. The huge stack of laundry, the fully loaded dishwasher, or the ring around the toilet are not nearly as important as the new precious bundle of joy. They grow up so quickly- so make sure you prioritize correctly :)
One of the toughest things for me is when the day is done, I don't have anything to show for how hard I worked...there are more dirty clothes and dishes, the house is still cluttered, and I am just as exhausted as I was when it started. However, I have step back and realize how important the time is that I am investing in the lives of my precious little girls. They feel loved and secure and for me that is worth far more than a spotless house.
Make the most of your time as a couple. Go on a date night. Take a Babymoon. Make some memories. One of the greatest gifts God has given me is Stephen. I am so blessed to be on this crazy adventure with him!
Enjoy sleep whenever you can. A well rested momma has more patience and stamina to handle difficult situations. There's no shame in going to bed at 8pm...that's what DVR is for.
When others offer help, humbly accept. There is no shame in accepting meals or having someone babysit so you can rest. If anything it is a blessing to the giver as well.
Take time out for your older child. Try to do some fun things with him/her- we read, do a craft project or she helps me bake/cook. We have instilled daddy/daughter date nights or family movie nights where we do special things with Lily Kate.
Find a good support system. I found mine through the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group at Carmel Baptist Church and through the South Charlotte Playgroup. Its vital that you have some good friends to vent to, bounce ideas off of, or spend a mom's night out with.
I am far from perfect and still have a lot of things to figure out. Just want to encourage you that you are not alone in this journey called Motherhood.
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that's awesome Tracie, I hear ya on all of that. The hardest part for me to learn is that it's ok to not have it all together. I always feel like the house has to be perfect, Addie has to look right, and I'm supposed to be superwoman, so when I know that I'm not I feel like a failure. God doesn't see me that way, Lee doesn't see me that way, and anyone else who may have a thought that direction probably shouldn't be in my life anyway! :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! I needed this reminder..and I liked how you said at the end of the day you have nothing to show for how hard you worked...this is true I often feel that way ;o)
ReplyDeleteCrys Crys- I totally agree with you. It is often most difficult to live up to the expectations I put on myself! Hang in there girl!
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