My little sweetie is getting close to six weeks old. Life is getting easier. slowly. We don't have family too close and so I've relied on a few principles to get me through this crazy time.
First, I try to focus on the positive. Instead of griping and feeling angry at her for of all the sleep I'm missing out on when it's 2:00 am and I've put little sweetie down 4 times, and she's woken up yet again as soon as her head hits her bed, and we start over again with the josteling and shusshing, I try to think about how sweet she is and how this is my job right now, and it's okay. She needs me, and I am blessed to get to spend so much time with her. (don't worry there have still been bouts of resentment and the pity party-I'm not perfect.)
Second, I've really tried to focus on the bigger picture and why I'm doing what I'm doing. This has really helped! I have made the word Nurture my motto, and remind myself daily that my opportunity as a mother is to nurture my children (especially after the little buddy has dumped the entire salt shaker out and is rubbing it all over the counter). That's not just keeping an eye on them (which obviously I wasn't in the above mentioned case-but that's another story). It's "cultivating, caring for, and making grow." And there isn't a better job out there! I feel so lucky to be a mom and to get to watch my beautiful children grow, and to be the one to help them do so. I love my job, and even though it's not an easy one, it truly is the most rewarding. Sometimes I forget that though, and it's nice to have a visual reminder to step back and enjoy them, and remember why I'm doing what I'm doing.
So, I thought I would share this nurture poster I made that has helped me so much!. Hopefully it will be helpful to some of you too! As always it's printable on a letter size sheet. To make it centered, and frame-able in an 8x10 just cut an inch off the right side and a half inch off the bottom. This will make it 8x10.
Also, the quote at the bottom refers to this article if you want to read the whole thing.
I'm just bumped into your lovely blog!! I gonna follow you
ReplyDeletecongratulations on the new addition to your family! i have an "almost" six wk old myself and i totally hear you on the late night shhhsss... and craddlings!
ReplyDeleteI too love your blog and have added you on mine. hope you come visit my blog sometime :)
jenn
what a lovely freebie. i am due today... with our second little girl... apparently she is no rush to arrive. i am so glad i found your blog a while back {i actually featured you on mine - i am a super fan of your goodies} this one especially will be printed and hung in my office as i'm certain i will need a daily reminder very soon.
ReplyDeletethanks so much! congrats and good luck in catching some zzz's!
What a wonderful motto and a wonderful sentiment to share- especially with people going through the same thing! I'll be linking. I hope you all get some much-needed rest soon! What a fun and crazy time!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through the Activity Mom, and I'm so glad I did! Your blog has such a clean, beautiful, cheerful look, and I'm loving all your crafts. I'm your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this lovely poster. But I did find a typo on the word "nurturing" in the definition portion of the poster.
ReplyDeleteI clicked over from Kind Over Matter where my Little Moments print was featured also. This is just lovely.
ReplyDeleteok darling so your little angel is just about 1. I am sure she is so sweet, i just love that age. i was wondering if i asked pretty please could you make the nurture art a download again? i love it so much and i always need such lovely reminders.
ReplyDeletexoxo