Lessons Learned in the Past Month

  My little girl was one month on Monday, and I have learned so many things in the past month.  One of the biggest things I have learned that being a Mommy is one of the greatest things in life, but also one of the hardest.  I love my little girl more and more each and every day, and I also worry about her each and every day.  Just when I think I have one worry down, another one creeps up.  I also learned that the first few weeks after having a baby are the very hardest, but things do get better.  You learn to adjust to your new life.  No, life will never go back to the way things use to be, but life is even better.  My life now revolves around Gracie and her needs. 

Another lesson I have learned is that babies cry and it's ok for them to cry.  I freaked out each time Gracie cried at first.  I thought, oh no, I'm not being a good mom because my baby is crying.  I have now learned that as long as she has been fed, doesn't have a dirty diaper, and is comfortable, then she will be ok if she cries.  One of Gracie's favorite times to cry is while I am trying to get ready in the morning.  I always place her in her little swing up in our room, but she seems to always want to cry while I get ready.  At first, it really bothered me, but now I've learned to try to comfort her as best as I can, but it's ok if she cries.  Usually she is just sleepy and wants to fight going to sleep.  There are other times that she cries during the day as well.  I try to comfort as best as I can, but I know that as long as she is ok, it's ok if she cries a little bit.  Now, of course, I don't want her to cry, but I have learned not to think something is terribly wrong if my baby is crying.

I have also learned how important it is to take some time for myself each day.  I need that break to be able to recharge myself.  Sometimes this break is simply walking the dog, other times it's just taking a few more minutes in the shower to think.  Some days, these breaks are me looking through my closet, and trying on a few clothes to see what fits, and other days it's trying a new way to wear my hair.  No matter how I spend my small breaks, it is always nice just to a have a few minutes to myself.

I have tried to learn how to savor each moment.  I am amazed how quickly this first month of Gracie's life has quickly passed, and I know the other months will fly by, especially once I return to work.  I especially enjoy the moments that I get to watch my wonderful husband spend quality time with our little girl.  Every morning, they cuddle and play while I walk the dog.  It is a special time for just the two of them.  I have fallen even more in love with my amazing husband as I watch him with our little girl.  He is especially patient with her at night when we are trying to put her down to sleep.  I am always so tired and ready for bed, but he has so much patience with her when she's fussy and doesn't want to go to sleep.  I have also learned to savor my moments with my husband.  We are much busier at home now that we ever were before, and we will only get busier when I return to work.  However, I have learned it's important to stop and spend time with my husband as well.  Even if it's just laying on the couch watching some tv, or listen to him tell me about his day.  I know it is so important to keep our relationship strong.  I love him with all my heart and grow more in love with him every day! :)

I have learned that I will be forever doing laundry.  Every time I think I catch up on the laundry, Graice goes through like 3 outfits in a day, and it's time to do more laundry.  I also learned to attach the Velcro on the bibs and swaddles so that it doesn't stick to all the other clothes!  :)

I have learned how to do many things with only one arm, since my other arm is full with carrying my baby girl! 

I have also learned that a baby uses a lot of diapers, many more than you would ever imagine.  It seems like as soon as I change her diaper, I hear her doing another job! 

These are just a few of the lessons I have learned in the past month with my sweet Gracie.  I have learned so much and I know that I will continue to learn even more as the months continue.  I can't way to see how myself, my wonderful husband, and my sweet little girl will all learn, grow, and change in the coming months and years!  :)