A Friend and a Mom

It never ceases to amaze me how your view on life can change when your circumstances change. Of course, Mia has changed our lives completely! I never knew my heart could love so much. I never really understood the miracle of children until God gave us Mia. Some days I just watch her play as she discovers new things or reads a book to herself - and I am amazed at how smart she is.  And then there are the little things in life that you didn't understand before having a kid of your own. Like why someone never left their kid in nursery at church - I completely understand and I am so sorry if I ever judged anyone for that. And with all the conveniences of using disposable diapers, why would you want to use cloth diapers? Doesn't it just add more work? Are you trying to prove you are indeed super mom? I just laugh at how naive I was - as I now use cloth diapers and LOVE it!!  But there is one situation I think I still do not understand. Why do friends who have walked life with you and stood by you all these years, suddenly disappear from your life when you have a baby?  Do they think you don't have time for them? Do they think it will bother you to pick up the phone and see how you are doing? Or are they afraid to ask because your answer will always involve something about your kid? I hope I was never that friend who let you disappear after you had a kid.

I am thankful for the few "old" friends who still walk life with us and for the new friends we have made in the last year.  While parenting is the most amazing and rewarding gift, it can also be a lonely place if you are not careful. We need to be intentional with each other and encourage one another to be women of God.  Sure, it is nice to have someone listen and understand the hardship and sacrifices you make to be the best mom you can be (which really isn't a sacrifice when it comes down to it), but let's not forget we are God's children as well.  Being a mom doesn't mean you become no one - you need to be an even bigger someone than you were before. Show your kids what it means to be a child of God. Teach them by example what it means to be a good friend.  Let's not let each other get lost in our children. I finally understand how easily that can happen - Mia is such a blessing and I want her to feel how loved she is every minute!  I know what a precious gift she is and I don't want to waste a moment with her.  However, she will mimic my character and she needs to see me "do" more than just be her mom.

And so, may I reflect God's character! May I not judge other moms for doing something different than I would (or think I would). May I pursue my friends and be an encouragement to them!

Visit from Grandma

Grandma came to visit this weekend while Daddy went to the men's retreat. On Saturday, we took a trip to Marietta Square for lunch and walking around.