Being a mother has been everything I thought it would be and nothing like I thought it would be all at the same time. The amount of overwhelming love I have for Deklen is even greater than what I pictured it would be. He's only been in our lives for 1 month (He's still alive! Victory!) and already I would do absolutely anything for his happiness and safety. Even if it's picking him up in the middle of the night instead of letting him "cry" for a bit... haha he's already got me wrapped around his little finger.
It has been such an amazing experience to become a mom and as I've sat at home with the little guy, I've had lots of time to reflect on what a sacred calling being a mother and a father is.
Staying at home has been nothing like I thought it would be. I'd be lying if I said I love being at home. I keep getting told that it gets better as your child develops and interacts more, but I am SO BORED! I went from being a busy manager and loving being in the business world to sitting on one spot on my couch all day watching Netflix. feeding my child, and changing diapers every hour (or so it feels). This has given me such an appreciation for mothers who sacrifice so much of themselves to care for their children - especially for my own mother. She did so much for her kids growing up, including sacrificing her career to be at home with us. She continues to do so much for each of us even as adults and it meant so much to me to have her help with Deklen for two weeks. One of my new favorite quotes I read in a book recently sums up what this means so perfectly for me, so I wanted to share it. Everything I am I owe to my parents
"The mother, more than any other, affects the moral and spiritual part of the children's character. She is their constant companion and teacher in formative years. The child is ever imitating and assimilating the mother's nature. It is only in after life that men (and women) gaze backward and behold how a mother's hand and heart of love molded their young lives and shaped their destiny" - E.W. Caswell
What a sacred title "Mother" is to me. I truly hope I can be everything this little guy needs to grow and become the man his Heavenly Father wants him to be. I am so thankful to my Father in Heaven for blessing our home with one of His sweet spirits - we fought long and hard to get Deklen here and we are beyond grateful to finally have the chance to live up to the nature of these sacred callings.
Special thanks to Tayten (Tayten Kenzie Photography) for taking Deklen's pictures and our first ever family pictures below. She is so talented! I absolutely love how they turned out.
