One of the traditions we have set is Weekly with Waddles pictures. Waddles is a stuffed penguin my husband picked out before she was born. Each week I photograph our daughter next to it to document her growth and changes.
Over the last ten weeks I have witnessed my baby go from five pounds thirteen ounces to ten pounds. She has gone from tiny preemie clothing to the typical 0 to 3 month size. I've watched her chunk up then miraculously overnight become longer and thinner again.
I always wanted to be a mom. And I thought I had a pretty good idea of what it would be like after years of nannying. Most of the moms I knew told me I had no idea, that nothing would prepare me. They were right. I had no idea how hard it would be to be up all night, night after night, with a crying newborn. But mostly they were right because I had no idea how deep a love could run. I adored me nanny kiddos. The love I have for my own daughter is intense. It is both heart melting when she smiles and panic inducing when I wake to find she has slept longer that usual. It is deep and beautiful and scary and amazing all at once.
I'm so grateful for these ten weeks. I'm grateful for the beautiful child growing before my eyes. And while I wish she would slow down, I'm grateful for every beautiful moment and milestone I've already witnessed. I'm grateful for her smiles and her coos as she tries to find her words. I'm grateful to get to breastfeed her and the deep bond that has forged. I'm grateful for all she is and all she will become. And I'm grateful for all the changes I have gone through as I take on this new, amazing role as mom.
A lot can change in ten weeks. What were you doing ten weeks ago? What significant events in your life have changed you?
May today remind us how much we've grown. May we find strength in the person we have become. And may we cherish each moment. Have a beautiful day!