Confessions of My 7th Year of Motherhood

sarahlhead7
Feb 3
4 min read

This year was BIG! I’m a mother of a big girl that’s completed Kindergarten and now in 1st grade. I no longer do everything for her, make all her choices but thank goodness I can still carry her on my hip!

So much has stayed the same since birth. I maintain a very strict schedule especially bed time, still don’t give her enough baths, I’m obsessed with taking pictures of her and I dote on my darling constantly because to me she’s the most wonderful blessing!

My approach to motherhood starts with priorities. I strive to put God first, then I am able to pour into my husband and daughter. After their needs are cared for, I can then pour into others and my tasks/responsibilities.

Note: this is not easy as my to-do’s and wants pull at me!

My motherhood is often counter to what our culture promotes or finds acceptable. I strive to parent based on biblical principals and our family’s specific needs.

Here are my confessions of my 7th year of motherhood:

I’m a One Woman Show

Ryan has worked in emergency medicine for several years consisting of very long hours and mostly night shifts. This year he accepted a position working out of state for over half the month. While I’ve been a solo operation most of my adult life (long distance - military deployment), doing it with a child is more challenging. The weekends are the worst! Doing things by myself is not the hard part, I’m good at that. It’s the loneliness and envy. I have to guard myself and practice gratitude.

I’m Full of Surprises

I love to surprise Vivian! I show up at school to have lunch with her at least once a month and I even took her on a Spring Break road trip! I’ve done a few scavenger hunts with her in our home to reveal exciting news. The shocked face full of joy is priceless!

I Volunteer

I’m one of those PTA mamas. And I love it! I enjoy being in her school and lending a helping hand to make it a wonderful place to learn and grow. I’ve been able to use my skills and talents all while making great friends. One of my favorites was learning to work the cash register for book fair and checking out all the kiddos!

I'm a Jr Stylist

While I strive to share great style here, for Vivian, I’ve been demoted. Up until this year I’ve taken great pride in dressing her in traditional pieces. She now wants to wear big girl clothes, insists on tucking everything in (I giggle when her puffy top is crammed into leggings) and always, always cowgirl boots! I let her take the lead. I want her to have and make choices when she can. While it’s not easy to say goodbye to collars, sashes and smocking, I let her style herself a majority of the time.

I'm More the Merrier

I’ve begun including Vivian on so much more. We brought her along on our trip to Kiawah Island this past June and it was the highlight of her year!! I have resistance to this as I value my independence and time with Ryan and others but quickly came to see the joy. I talk to her about happenings near and far and I let her be a set of helping hands with tasks like cooking & cleaning.

I’m a Hostess

Funny enough I used to stomp my feet and swear hospitality and hosting was not my spiritual gift. And here I am hosting in my home every Wednesday evening for my church’s ladies’ bible study and throughout the month for coffees, dinners and I’m hoping to add game nights this year. I’ve been opening my home to other mothers monthly this year and it’s been a blessing to me, Vivian and our friends. Vivian is a great helper in helping me set up and prepare. She even puts herself to bed on Wednesdays.

I’m a Gamer

We have incorporated playing games during dinner time. Since it’s primarily just Vivian and I at the table most nights we play cards/board games while we eat. It’s made the otherwise quiet time more exciting and fun! We are both tired at the end of the day and it’s a fun way to connect. Vivian is now old enough to understand rules, math and even strategy!

We also dance party, put on gymnastics shows and I don’t care one bit if I look silly - I’m all in!

I Delegate

I leave Vivian behind more frequently. She has an awesome babysitter in our neighborhood that cares for her now so that I can go out on dates with Ryan, out with my gal pals and attend events. It has opened doors for me to participate in things I otherwise would have to say no to.

I’m a 'Little' Chill

I’ve incorporated more still time in my days with reading, doing puzzles and sitting with Vivian doing what she wants to do. This is crazy hard for me. Ryan literally just said last night while I was on the phone with my Mama that I need to sit still. It’s nearly impossible. I’m compelled to do things all the time. I’m meticulous about the cleanliness of our home and crossing things off my to-do list but this lifestyle gets in the way of being present. So I’ve worked hard to slow down.

I am a Juggler

This isn’t new and I’ll always be one. I manage a private medical practice working from home, I go to the gym every morning after drop off, I clean, I cook, I participate in bible study, I care for my family & friends, I manage my website/blog and styling services, I volunteer, I teach weekly Sunday school for high schoolers, I facilitate afterschool activities and bless my soul I care for Trixie and Ethel! (our yellow lab & bunny) I’m privileged to get to do these things but I hope no matter what’s on my list, Vivian’s at the top. She was given to me and I want to treasure her like the precious jewel that she is!