A Year of Parenting
Fall always brings out the reflective and nostalgic in me. Now this fall, for the first time, I reflect on my first year of being a mama.
Pregnancy. Childbirth. Sleepless nights. Your child’s laughter. Parenthood. It all changes you from the tips of your toes to deep in your soul.
Looking back at my year as a mama, here are a few bits of what I have learned:
1. Sleepless nights suck.
2. Laughter is key.
3. But sometimes you just have to cry it out.
4. I knew my husband was amazing before we were parents. I have since learned that he is an outstanding dad. My son is so lucky to have him as his Papa. So am I.
5. Snuggling my baby, even in the middle of the night, makes my heart full.
6. Watching my husband put my child to bed after I tried and failed is the best feeling of relief and yet it will make me sigh every time.
7. I will always be there for my child. As in ALWAYS, no exception.
8. Friends make it all so much easier. Sharing the tales of parenting reminds me that the crazy, hard moments are actually normal.
9. People are so kind and so generous to a new mama and a new family. I seize the opportunity to pay it forward.
10. Watching my child experience wonderment – through food, music, experience – is the most uninhibited, organic and, usually, joyful sight.
11. I never knew the feeling of selflessness until I had a child.
12. What and who I think I can count on will always surprise me.
13. Finding community of mamas was harder than I thought and yet, turned up when I least expected it and needed it most.
14. I have found that there are other ways to trust my body after pregnancy. And no, I did not find it in childbirth.
15. C-sections suck.
16. Bodies are amazing. My body (and me) grew a human. Then it produced food for said human. That human grows from a tiny ball of baby to a roaming, running, babbling toddler all in one year. Amazing, I tell you. Truly amazing.
17. The early days, weeks and even months of being a mama were very foggy for me and felt surprisingly lonely. I didn’t expect that, but will be more aware the next time.
18. I worry more as a parent than I ever thought possible and far more than I ever expected.
19. Raising a boy to be a good man is a challenge I take very seriously every day.
This is what a feminist looks like.
20. There is nothing more heart breaking than to see your kiddo sick. They have no idea what’s going on and there is often little you can do to really make them better.
21. Even when I feel completely clueless, finding ways to make parenting choices with confidence and without judgment is essential.
22. Being a mama is the hardest and most rewarding job I ever could of dreamed of. I can’t imagine my life without mama-hood.
23. Watching my baby dance warms my soul.
24. It really does take a village. I am so grateful for ours.
25. I am conscious every day not to wish the time away. I am SO excited to hear his first sentence, to see his first steps, to tell his first joke, to meet his first friend and to be a big brother. Today, however, I am enjoying the present.
It’s been quite a year. The most amazing year. As my baby is about to complete his first revolution, of many, around the sun, I am ready to celebrate. I can’t think of any other way than to throw a party and celebrate with our village our first year of parenthood! We made it! My hubs and I will surely exchange a super high five.
Happy (almost) birthday baby E!
– NVC
ellencarlson
MD
Alyssa
nvcooke
First Smiles And Tears 
YOU ARE AN AMAZING PERSON NINA !!!!! WE ARE ALL SO BLESSED TO HAVE YOU IN OUR LIVES. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU, AND THE WONDERFUL WIFE AND MOTHER THAT YOU ARE. THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU, AND FOR THE BEAUTIFUL GIFT OF OUR PRECIOUS LITTLE GRANDSON ELLIOTT. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
What an amazing review of motherhood (especially the first year)! Beautiful!