What I’ve Learned (so far) From Being a Mom

When I was a little girl I had dreams of growing up, getting married and having children. I assumed that I would get to stay at home with my children while my husband would go to work and provide for us financially.

I am now an adult and my dreams have come true.

I am a wife of nine years and a mother to two amazing little girls. And yes, I am a stay-at-home mom.  I get to be with them from all day, every day minus the hours they are in school. And even then, I love being able to volunteer in their class. This is a situation I do not take for granted and one that I know is a huge blessing. Although it can be trying and hard and there are many moments where I have locked myself in my room to have a good cry- I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My days are spent running carpool, cleaning the house, buying groceries, wiping noses, having play dates, breaking up sisterly arguments, and so much more. And I am constantly learning new things.

The knowledge I acquire being home all day with my children has been priceless for me. Some of the knowledge is silly, and some of it instrumental in guiding my girls each and every day. Everything I learn is like adding a little more depth and know-how into my bucket. Each experience stretches me and helps me be a better mother, wife and friend.

I have learned how to survive all day after a restless night’s sleep. Whether it is because of a crying baby or a toddler needing to use the bathroom or because my mind was up racing with thoughts and worries that come along each day- I have learned that as a mom, we don’t get breaks when we need them. I am often gifted with a little more energy and somehow I am able to stay awake and function enough because I need to. And I want to.

I have learned how to live with pieces of my heart outside of my body as I have sent my girls to pre-school and kindergarten. Kissing them goodbye and having faith and trust that they will be nurtured, looked after, cared for and loved while they are not with me has been a huge milestone and there is a learning curve I am still figuring out.

I have learned that dance parties, tea parties and playing  dress up  are often stress-relievers. The times that I have let loose and turned on Taylor Swift and danced around the backyard porch or in front of our living room window with my little girls are some of my fondest memories and I am always left feeling happier and more alive.

I have learned how to meal plan, budget, and cook meals my family will love. I have learned that Neosporin and a band-aids really do make the “boo-boos” go away. I have learned how to communicate better with my friends because we are all learning how to raise our babies and children and still maintain friendships with one another. I have learned how to turn to others for advice, support and comfort- because more than likely they need that too. I have learned that it is okay to not be the best mom all the time and that no one can be anyway. I have learned that children forgive easily and with open hearts, but sometimes it doesn’t take away that mom-guilt that is felt. I have learned that patience is important and being kind to myself is vital. I have learned that reading the “how-to” parent books only intensifies my insecurities and that I know what is best for me and my children, and that is more valuable than anything.

I have also learned that there is a time and a season for everything. Everything I have done in my life has ultimately led to me to the happiness I have found as a wife and a mother.

The knowledge I have found is irreplaceable. I love life experiences because they help us to grow and learn and become better and stronger people. One thing I want to teach my children is that just as life experiences are important, an education is too. Gaining an education is fulfilling and also  promotes that learning and growth that we all need.

As a mother I am so grateful for the options there are to help us further our education. There will come a time when it’s right for me to go back to school and get my degree. Concordia University WI is one of the amazing online programs that are perfect for adults including busy moms- young and old- and the person who is trying to do it all. I don’t know when I might be able to go back to school, it might be while my girls are still in school or it might be when I’m a grandmother. I know that life will probably just get busier and may never slow down. I am grateful that Corncodia University WI has online and email courses making it easy to take classes between carpooling and dance lessons.

Being a wife and mother is a dream I have been blessed to have. All life experiences eventually come together for our good and they shape us into who we are. From learning to rock a crying baby, to furthering your education, each road and step that is taken will lead you where you need to go.

Thank you to Markerly and Concordia WI for sponsoring this post.