"Little Monsters" is the new "little piggies"! Oh how precious a little new babe is. They are the most soft, tiny, innocent, fresh and lovely things on the planet. They also are getting used to so many new things. Oftentimes as adults we expect our little ones to act and behave older then they are. We want them to calm down, tell us when they're diapers are dirty, let us know if they're hungry....etc. There is a time when they will be able to tell you and that you can expect more out of them, but they must be taught and must learn. Parenting is so important and leading and guiding your child is the most important task on this earth. Watching wee William at this tiny stage has taught me again the great importance of patience and the joy of eternal love.
A new baby is completely reliant upon its parents. Eating, being cleaned, helping get gas out, rocking them to sleep all require someone else when they're so new. When you think of the 9 months they're in the womb life is pretty cush and then instantly they are out of it (well almost instantly ;) ). They must learn so much even within the first moments they enter the world. And it's also a big learning curve for the parents, especially with the first baby. A dear friend of mine recently said, "Being a parent is so wonderful, but no one ever tells you how hard it is!" And that is quite true. Another great person recently stated, "The best things in life can take the longest time and be the hardest to achieve." Things of great worth in this life can be the most difficult. Doesn't that make you appreciate it all the more though? Parenthood is a tough job and the most tiring one on the planet. But it is also the most important of jobs. You are raising another human being, being honored to care for and teach them.
As a new parent you quickly realize that the sweet and beautiful dream of babyness also has a harsh reality of being really tough. You will always have something wet on you whether that's spit up, slobber or milk. There will be moments you go insane from sleep deprivation. Crying seems to be a constant ringing in your ears. You become a walking zombie sometimes. The limits your stretched to can seem impossible at moments. I think it's important to not hide that reality, cause it's real and hey that's what makes it worth it and helps you to know its so important. We always talk about and remember the good of babies and hush the bad, but I truly do think it's so important to talk about both. All of us need support and understanding when going through the stages of babyhood. And when it is hard you can feel overwhelmed and like you are doing it wrong. You see other mothers looking like models, or families going on beautiful trips, or you hear others talk about how "good" their baby is. We all know it's hard, so don't take the time to compare or think you're alone with a colicky baby. Every baby cries, every baby poops, every mommy is sleep deprived....it's just a fact. Don't feel like you have to be perfect, don't feel like you're doing it wrong, and never forget you are of worth and so important! It can be hard when every day you're exhausted and feel like a warn out rag when you finally crawl into bed. But know that every bumb you wipe, every hour you feed, every cry you rock through...you are amazing!
Parents are amazing!!!!!! Bottom line. They work tirelessly to create, protect and raise children of the future. It is the BEST job ever. You are rewarded in smiles, snuggles, first moments, and love. A love that is so strong and deep that it makes you do it again :). So take courage when your little one is being a monster, cause hey, they all are at moments. They are learning and you are to. Take joy in all the moments you're blessed with and know you're not alone.
