I know I've only been a parent a mere 16 months, but my the things I have quickly learned and/or noticed since my sweet Grayson was born!
Like, that private time I once had in the bathroom, whether it be a shower or doing my makeup, etc, etc? Yeah. That's nonexistent these days!
Or a (relatively) clean house? Ha! I barely remember what that's like (except for a few weeks ago when my mom surprised me by cleaning our whole house while we were gone to South Carolina-she's awesome like that! And man did I feel terrible when the living room was WRECKED just minutes after we got home. Eeek!)
The obvious one is sleep. Yeah, that's a wreck too. Sleeping in doesn't happen, going to bed early doesn't happen. What does happen though? Squeezing in a couple hours here and a couple hours there after the kiddos finally go to sleep or before Liam decides he's hungry at 3 in the morning! What aso happens? Little brother wakes big brother up an hour before his normal wake up time of 7, so the big gets to sneak back into bed with mom or dad...never both though because someone is up to feed the little one. ;)
Something I've also learned as a parent is just how quickly all the STUFF accumulates. The toys, the books, the clothes, the blankets, etc. Yikes! Our tiny home is stuffed! We're so grateful, but goodness, it's about time for another purge already!
Oh, and it's a challenge cooking especially with a toddler. Grayson is so interested in what's happening when he hears the water running, or a pan clanking or steam rising. He's great at letting us know when something is done in the oven or microwave by shouting out a big, "UH OH!" when he hears the buzzer! haha. He likes to be right under my feet when I'm cooking or washing dishes. Oh, and he loves pulling on the trash can...yuck!
Another thing I've learned is just how much laundry there is once kids are added to the mix! Holy wow! LOTS of clothes (especially with another baby around-burp cloths and onesies galore! Haha)...sometimes it feels like I will never be caught up. And honestly, it probably won't be for a long time!
Something else I've learned since having the littles is it's TOTALLY, 100% okay to have a messy home, to just leave the piles of clothes unfolded. To let the dishes go for an evening or to just ignore the pile of books Grayson has dragged out over the day. It's okay for a little bit if it means that time is being well-spent with my children. You know, hugs, laughs, time outside, time reading books or just simply nuggling on the couch for as long as they will sit still.
I'm learning. Everyday. Because each day is truly something different.
The most important thing I'm learning though is how great it is to just LIVE in this moment. This season of our life. Being a mama is all I can ever remember REALLY wanting in my life and now the Lord has given me this amazing opportunity, these amazing gifts and I know I need to live it up!
Teach these boys, have fun with them, enjoy each day whether good or bad or somewhere in between. It's no secret that life is hectic and busy. It seems there is ALWAYS something to do. Something small like a face to wipe off or an everyday task like sweeping the floors or preparing (and cleaning up) a meal. But, I have to remember this is my life. And it is a gift.
I'm so thankful to have even found the time to sit down and write this post today. If anything, just for me to look back on when my kids are bigger and in school, or whatever and see what this season of my life was truly like.
Each day I'm learning to be a better mama. A better wife. A better friend. A better sister. A better me. A better servant to the Lord. Some days can be so challenging, but so many other days are just so awesome! And I am thankful to get to be here to enjoy each moment!
And just for a laugh-here are the boys wearing the same Star Wars onesie (a favorite of Nate's lol!).
Grayson is at the top at 3.5 months and Liam is on the bottom at 3 months! :)
