Every day in my role as a mother, I feel a small part of myself transform. My little one is seated in his highchair, and as I scrub the floor and wash the dishes, his arm swings across the tray like a windshield wiper, sending bits of waffle and orange flying. A wave of frustration bubbles within me, but as soon as I meet his sparkling eyes full of joy, that frustrated piece of me fades away.
When I’m nestled comfortably in bed, with the sun still hiding, I hear the delightful coos turning into giggles and then louder cries from his crib. I sometimes miss those blissful Saturday mornings when I could sleep until 10. But then I remind myself that mornings are when my child shines, experimenting with new words and sharing his playful spirit with me. The piece of me clinging to lazy mornings diminishes.
Trying on clothes in the family dressing room at Target, I watch my son’s legs dangle happily from the cart. Nothing fits as it used to, despite shedding the baby weight. A whisper of doubt nudges me, “You would have rocked that dress before motherhood…” But then I think back to that more fashionable version of myself, whose dreams revolved around starting a family. That self-critical piece of me fades away.
During nap time, as I soak in the precious silence, a part of my mind aches for the days of unbroken independence—lounging with a book, savoring leisurely lunches. But the sound of my child’s laughter and his tiny feet pattering across our home quickly banishes that lingering ache.
Motherhood is a beautiful paradox. It brings both profound joy and deep exhaustion. It challenges my faith, tests my patience, and expands my heart. But through it all, my faith and patience grow stronger, and my heart feels fuller. There are moments when I feel overwhelmed, but I realize my capacity to cope is also expanding.
Indeed, every day as a mother, a little piece of me changes. Yet, I choose not to lament these transformations. My child is shaping me into a better person with each passing day. And eventually, the doubt that I’m not doing this “mom thing” right evaporates, leaving behind a sense of gratitude—and yes, a floor sprinkled with remnants of waffle bits.
If you’re interested in learning more about the journey of parenthood, check out our post on home insemination kits for insightful resources. For those exploring parenthood, Make a Mom offers valuable information on at-home insemination options. Additionally, ACOG provides excellent resources for understanding infertility treatments.
In summary, motherhood is a journey filled with emotional shifts, self-discovery, and growth. Every day, as I embrace my role, I find strength in the changes that come with it.