Dear FirstTime Mama Who Needs Some Sleep:
There’s a poplar country song that describes a young woman rushing through each season of life, always ready to get to the next one. She wants to turn 18. She wants to get married. She wants to leave that tiny apartment and get a house. She wants those toddlers to grow up.
But her Daddy tells her, You’re gonna miss this
You’re gonna want this back
You’re gonna wish these days hadn’t gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you’re gonna miss this. (Trace Adkins)
Haven’t we all been there? Wishing away the current for something bigger and better?
When Jackson was born people told us we just had to make it to three months. At three months something magically changed.
Last week I stumbled upon an old video of Jackson at three-months-old. He had just started rolling over.
As I watched, I cried.
I watched that squishy baby, in nothing but a diaper, wiggle until he rolled over.
It was bittersweet.
Those first few months of motherhood were the most difficult days of my life. Sleep deprivation, colic, and adjusting to being a stay-at-home mom almost drove me over the edge.
The days were so difficult. I often feel I got robbed of the joyous moments hidden beneath the hard.
I didn’t know it then, but I realize it now.
Those were good times.
Yes, it was hard. Yes, I felt inadequate and crazy.
Yes, I still cringe when Jackson cries a certain way (it takes me back to those nights of unconsolable screams).
But I’d give anything to have one or two of those days back (minus the colic).
So sweet mama, if you’re walking around like a zombie, desperate for sleep…
If your baby won’t stop crying…
If you’ve wondered what in the world you’ve gotten yourself into…
You are not alone.
I’ve been there.
And here’s what I know…
You ARE a good mama.
And you’re not alone (even though it feels like you are).
I swore I’d never miss those newborn moments.
But guess what? I do.
And I think someday you’ll miss them, too.
But today is hard.
I get it.
Just hang on tight.
Search for the joyous moments hidden beneath the hard.
They are there.
In the smiles and coos…
In the squishy baby warm in your arms…
In the spit up and poo…
You’re gonna miss this
You’re gonna want this back
You’re gonna wish these days hadn’t gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you’re gonna miss this
Cheering you on,
The Mama Who Survived