Who will he look like?
Will he have my eyes, Nick's hair?
Will he be an easy baby or drive us crazy?
These unanswerable questions I asked during pregnancy seem so far away. For nine months we wonder, guess, speculate and pray about and for our baby. It is nine months of worry, excitement, anxiety, joy and exhaustion. We are entrusted by our Creator to nurture and care for this being growing inside of us, all the while never truly grasping the incredible significance and honor of what we are doing. The first time we hold our baby in our arms is a moment that surpasses the understanding and comprehension of anybody but mamma and baby. Our baby is a blessing bestowed upon us by The Most Holy. Our baby is a reward from God, an inheritance from Him. We are overwhelmed as we discover our tiny helpless baby depends 100% on us for survival. The blessing of motherhood is, at times, hidden by sleepless nights, endless crying, constant feedings and utter exhaustion. But as days, weeks, months and, eventually years, pass we recognize and appreciate the ability of God to create such a precious being. We, hopefully, make a promise to oursevles and God to raise our children according to His desires and teachings.
As I celebrated birthday #2 with Simon and we enter our 3rd year together, I started to examine the choices and decisions I have made as they relate to Simon's upbringing. Foolish is the parent who believes he or she is perfect or is raising a perfect child. I struggle constantly in parenting decision making! Borrowing the words of another overused but true cliche, parenting is the hardest job in the world! BUT, with Christ as my constant companion and advisor I know my efforts are not in vain. My children know I love them, and to me that is the number one comfort as a parent. Many challenges await us, of that I am positive, but I am not afraid or nervous. I call on God in good times and bad and He has never failed me. My children see that God leads our lives and sets our paths, it is our job to follow!
Birthday #2 was a joyous occasion that was shared by friends and family. My baby sure has changed a lot in the past 365 days. Energy, vocabulary, personality, stubborness and cuteness have all increased exponentially. Can't wait to see what the next year brings and who Simon is at 1,095 days old. More health, joy and love - Praise be to God!
I literally had goosebumps reading this post - what a joy and challenge motherhood is, and what an HONOR it is that God has entrusted children to us! You are such an amazing mom to your 2 boys! :-)
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