Now that I've been a parent of an ex-utero baby for 7 months now, I say to Steven very often how much I feel like parenthood has brought me closer to Christ. I have never in my life experienced sacrifice to this degree. I spent the first 25 years of my life (before I met Steven) largely doing what I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted... you get the idea. When I met him and we got serious, I had to sacrifice in order to involve another person in that. That was hard in a way, but I would say generally I fell into it pretty easily. Well, it's not been that easy with motherhood. The late nights, early mornings, never ending middle of the night nursing sessions, whining, crying, poopsplosions, messes, more crying, all the things my fellow mom friends experience day in and day out with their babies, too. As much as I love that little bundle of pudge, there are days, many days, where I feel like I've sacrificed just about everything I have. By the time Steven gets home, there is nothing left. I'm spent and need a good 15 or 20 minutes to myself to put myself back together again. My story is not unique or unusual; I know many moms feel this and the experience is somewhat universal. But it's given me a chance to think about how much was sacrificed for me because I am loved so much. And what better way to reflect on that than by sacrificing myself for another person, a person who, at this point, is nothing without me? Jesus literally gave His life for me, and I'm asked, not in words, to give mine for this sweet baby (and of course any others that may follow!)... to give up my sleep, what I want to do, my days of lounging on the couch watching tv, when I want to eat, time with my husband... to give that life I once knew up for my sweet girl.
Felicity has brought me many experiences and emotions in her short (and fast!) 7 months, but I will always be grateful- as tired as I am, as worn out as I get :)- for her teaching me to put myself aside for the good of another. I recognize my selfishness every single day and I have countless opportunities to improve upon it, and to revamp who I am to who I want to be, who I wish I was, and who God wants me to be. And to realize the beauty, even a midst the struggle, that comes when you put another person and their needs completely above your own. Thank you, baby girl. I'm a different person because of you.
Those knees. I die!
And this is why we have to agree to disagree on when one is a parent - I definitely don't feel like a mother yet! My lifestyle has changed very little, and I can go much of the day without even thinking about it. That is all going to be turned upside down once I give birth and something small and vulnerable is constantly demanding my energy and attention!
ReplyDeleteI think one is a parent at conception because that's when the new person is formed but, that aside, maybe it depends on the pregnancy? I immediately made SO many decisions on behalf of Felicity.... to quit scooping pans, to cut out caffeine, to up my protein for blood pressure, to start progesterone, etc. Even if some of the stuff was small, they were decisions Steven and I were making as parents. Sure, it's totally different now that she's here, but I'm still making decisions on her behalf as to what I think is best for her.... it just looks different.
DeleteOf course I'm making decisions now with my baby in mind. But nothing that feels like much of a sacrifice! I can sleep as much as I want, spend my free time how I want, only worry about feeding myself! I still feel quite selfish compared to how I'm going to feel in less than 8 months! (OMG LESS THAN 8 MONTHS)
DeleteTouche but you are still a parent already ;).
Deletelol agree to disagree!! I want to enjoy "mother-to-be" status for a while.
DeleteAwww - this is beautiful (on so many levels).
ReplyDeleteYou guys make me so happy - bless all of you!!!
And for the record, I'm in agreement with you, Stacy. From the moment of conception, you're a parent! :) Love this!