Confessions of my 8th Year of Motherhood

Jan 19
4 min read

Every year I’m in awe of the gift of another year of motherhood. As sentimental as that sounds it’s true. I surely haven’t earned the privilege and I treasure it with my whole heart!

There’s so much new with each year but oh so much that’s stayed the same. An extra early wake up for me, strict bed time for her, along with lots of dance parties, pictures and ice cream are shared together. Every year holds endless amounts of doting on my darling.

I’m also still alone A LOT! Ryan works out of state ~20 days a month making it just us two (let me not forget Trixie our lab, Ethel our bunny and Puddles our fish all of which I care for!). This can be challenging at times especially the nights and weekends but it’s not a curse, I was made for it!

Praise for the village I have of helping hands.

With that, here are my confessions of my 8th year of motherhood:

I’m a Bestie

Vivian and I even have a secret handshake to prove it! We bead bracelets, trade secrets and share countless amounts of laughter. But I’m not just a bestie with her, I am with Ryan and my own friends. I’ve developed trusting, encouraging and fun relationships that build me up to be a better person.

I Honor the Hierarchy

I work from the top down when in comes to my priorities. I start with my relationship with God. I go to His Word and in prayer each morning and throughout the day (some days I’m better than others!). I can then address the needs for Ryan and Vivian to the best of my abilities FIRST! THEN I add in needs for our household, my job, exercise, activities (bible study, non-profit, my website/personal styling, hosting & attending social outings, PTA, pickle ball, mahjong, etc ..)

On the outside others may not see this hierarchy just that I’m doing the most. But I have learned the hard way that fulfilling what they need, not what I think they need (that’s important) FIRST is loving them more than me and sets the right order for me to then shine my light and bless others in outside capacities. This is sacrificial and I have found great joy in it!

I’m Choosy

I’m super picky about what I say yes to. I have the same number of hours as everyone else and must chose wisely on how I spend them. I evaluate decisions on these factors: physical, emotional, financial, and on timing. Just because I ‘can’ or it’s ‘good’ doesn’t mean it’s best.

I’m a Traditionalist

I’ve established rhythms that we all look forward to. Friday night pizza & a movie, Saturday morning special breakfast and weekend board games. Even when we are on vacation there’s places we go and things we do over and over.

I’m Interruptible

Gals, I’m about as flexible as a rock but this year I’ve softened a little. I more quickly lay down my tasks to be with her, crawl out of bed in the middle of the night to snuggle and skirt my rules for a treat. As I attempt to control my to-do list I have found even more satisfaction when I embrace the opportunities welcoming an interruption brings. There is peace when I surrender my days and lists to what God has in store for me. People over projects!

I’m a Pen Pal

We write to each other now!!! I have been sending handwritten notes in the mail for many years, and now my darling girl writes to me and me to her. I leave a note on an index card in her lunch Every. Single. Day. We also have a toy mailbox we will pass notes to each other in at home. I absolutely love seeing her grow with new abilities.

I’m Embrace Embarrassment

I do the silly things where I lack talent/confidence like sing karaoke, dance like a fool, play the sport (more like ducking from the ball), or race on the beach in a swimsuit. I jump into anything for fun because I don’t want to miss out for reasons that don’t matter.

I’m a Model

It’s true what they say, talk is cheap! She is watching!!! So I strive to model the fruits of the spirit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as a wife, mother, friend, employee, volunteer etc. Also in the way I manage our home, finances and life’s ups and downs. Living like Jesus impacts her far more than telling her how to. #nopressure!!!

I RSVP Yes!

One of the biggest impacts on my life this year is having a dedicated babysitter. She makes it possible for us to have date nights, for me to be a board member of a non-profit, celebrate my friends and be available to rsvp yes! She has gifted me freedom and I work hard to treat her to all her favorite drinks, meals and treats when she comes :)

I Give Time More than Things

Kids have love languages too and Vivian’s is the same as mine, quality time! We have 'night time talks’ before bed where we lay facing each other and chat about our day and whatever is on our minds and hearts. We do things side by side, we have lunch and dinner dates, we play games and simply enjoy being together. Experiences really make the best memories. These times together is what nearly makes my heart burst with love!

I find that scheduling time with my friends for a walk, phone call or outing is greater than anything we can purchase.

Motherhood is as unique as the mothers and children that fulfill it. Our roles are distinctive to each of us. Each day is a gift and while some may seem more grand than others they’re all a part of the beautiful whole.

There's lots of little nuances that I could write and share with you but I keep those for just us and those close.