Raisin' These Youngins

• Friday, December 5, 2008 - A Few Ramblings: From A Tired, Old-Feeling Mother

As I rocked my now two year old to sleep tonight, I pondered on the many different hats that I have worn as a parent.  I have worn the "do-it-by-the-book" hat, the "I'll do it my way" hat, and the "do what gets you through the day" hat. :) As I sang to Callie tonight, I contemplated how many changes I have been through since my first child was born.  Here are the differences in a nutshell:   I've put the baby in the baby's room, where the baby goes. I've put the baby beside our bed so that night time feedings are easier for me. I've put the baby *IN* our bed because that's where babies belong, and I just love sleeping with my babies. I've fed the baby every single bite so that a very minimal mess was made. I've handed the baby the food and said, "go for it!". I've handed the baby's older sibling the food and said, "Aim for the mouth!". I've washed the baby in the specially designed baby bath tub with special baby shampoo. I've washed the baby in the shower with me, and snuggled while we bathed. I've washed the baby in the bath while bathing the older children, and felt fortunate to have accomplished that!! So, as I think back about my motives in the early days of parenting, it pretty much sums it up by saying I survived it.  Now, I relish it.  Not ALWAYS, necessarily, but I've learned to see less of their need of me, and more of MY need of them.  And to parent less by what is convenient for me, and more of what is best for them. With my first few, I did what I thought would make my life easier.  Now, when I hold what could be my last baby, I do what makes my heart lighter....I love a little more, and scold a little less. Isn't it amazing how the Lord teaches us through these wonderful little blessings from above!

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