The Season Of Young Motherhood

As the mom of a young child and with another on the way, I frequently reflect upon my days at home and wonder what I spend so much time doing; oftentimes, it doesn’t feel like much.

Today I prepared a few untouched meals.

I read a handful of brightly colored books.

I washed at least a dozen hands, dishes and dirty clothes.

I watched a very curious monkey on TV sitting next to an even more curious 2-year-old girl.

I lost my patience, more than once.

I provided a record-setting number of answers to the question “Why?” with surprising creativity—and even more patience.

I said goodbye—and lingered a bit too long.

I wiped, bathed, dressed and combed.

I am in the season of young motherhood, right here and now. My body, mind and spirit are tied to these precious beings, in an all-consuming kaleidoscope of emotions type of way. Motherhood, for me, has the uncanny ability to invoke a magnitude of feelings and reactions to the unpredictable world around me. My thoughts, hopes and dreams are forever intertwined with these babies.

My hair is tied up loosely in a messy bun most days, and my makeup routine consists of ways to make it appear that I sleep soundly, but I know this time in my life is rapidly flying by.

There were days when my daughter was younger that I truly questioned whether or not I would ever sleep again. And the answer, somewhat sadly, is yes. This season of motherhood will evolve and give way to a new chapter in my life.

There will come a day when I look back and miss these days. I’ll tell new moms, “It goes by so fast,” as they nestle little ones in their arms.

There will come a day when I have more time for myself. My messy bun may be traded in for a more time-consuming and trendier hairstyle. I’ll be concerned with far different things than potty training and sleeping through the night.

I find such comfort in recognizing that just as the seasons change, so do the chapters of my life. The often-trivial struggles of raising little ones won’t last forever. Some days, I need a reminder to slow down and recognize all the things I didn’t even realize I was doing.

Today I witnessed the world through the eyes of a toddler.

I was there to listen, protect and reassure.

I held hands and gave kisses and hugs.

I smiled, laughed and sang an offbeat tune, more than once.

Today I was a mom, and that was more than enough.