52.14 Motherhood is..... Learning

Life is full of learning.  Hopefully we as adults strive to learn something new everyday.  I know I do, and that helps to not only fill up my knowledge tank but makes me feel alive.  I'm constantly teasing Matthew that he is full of useless knowledge.... but I will say, every time he opens his mouth I learn something new.

I think Motherhood is very similar.  I learn something new EVERY day!!  This comes in all sorts of ways... Sometimes its as easy as Jackson opening his mouth or doing something, perhaps this new bit of knowledge comes from another mom sharing wisdom, or some times its as easy as a bit of self reflecting.

With the birth of Benjamin coming tomorrow, I have been looking back on my last 19 months of being a momma and reflecting on my journey of learning!  I can honestly say that I have learned not only a ton about being a mom, but about myself, the kind of mom I strive to be and my son.  I can desire and teach certain things for Jackson all day long, but he is his own person and sometimes you just have to let go and see what he figures out.

I have tried harder these last few weeks and if I'm to be totally honest more these last few days, to really let Jackson be the intelligent, independent young man he's growing into.  Its been a battle.... with only a short period of time left, I've wanted to hold on more.  Smother him with more love, kisses and hugs.  Make him feel my love... LOL!!  Even typing that I know how emotional that sounds.  But its the truth and I am okay with allowing my silly ideas to hit the screen.

I know as parents our "job", or "goal" or even "mission" in life is to teach our children, but I think there is another side to this... We are to sit and learn as well.  Our children are innocent little beings with no life experience outside of us, so this makes them more adventurous, more trusting and more at ease.  I think I can take my son's advice and see life through his eyes a bit more.

I have LOVED being just Jackson's mommy these last 19 months and I know that he has taught me as much as I have taught him.  We have been a fun team of 3... But I also know that we are going to be an even better team of 4!!

I am proud of the mommy I have become and the lessons I have learned.  I have many, many people to thank for those lessons.  But I also know that I am about to start a new chapter in life and learn more... being a mommy of 2 boys should be interesting.

Today, I thank Jackson for teaching me about being a mommy and for rolling with the punches!  You are amazing son and I love you more than words.

Exploring his surroundings

52.13- Motherhood is..... Sharing

Teaching your children to share can be tricky! Jackson, like most children his age hasn't yet grasped the idea of sharing. He's in the "mine" phase..... From his shoes, to my phone, everything is "his" (lol).

Like most mommy's I'm doing my best to teach him through words and actions, the meaning of sharing.
But I think the best example comes from kids close to his age.

The other day we began to notice that Jackson seemed frustrated with his toy selection. I reached out to my sister in law in hopes that perhaps she might have some toys that my nephews have out grown. The feedback was wonderful! My (now) six year old nephew, Lucas was on a mission!!
Within a few days we had a box of some of Lucas' favorite toys, that he had outgrown. He sat down with Jackson and showed him how they worked and any tricks he may know.

Watching them I saw the true example of sharing! Now, in part due to my hard work but probably more of Lucas' example, Jackson asks me to sit with him and we play together!

It really is amazing the things our children learn from each other!

52.12- Motherhood is.... Praying for Grace

The other day I saw a mommy post on Facebook that she needed patience, (don't we all) and one of the comments from a dear friend of mine, made the suggestion that she pray for grace instead!

At the time I thought what an amazing idea but didn't think much past that moment!

Today, in the middle of many emotional meltdowns (and yes, at times it was both Jackson and I crying) I remember the suggestion of praying for grace!

Grace- elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action.

So today, I prayed for Grace as a mommy! I prayed that my actions showed love, even though I had to be firm. I prayed that the manner in which I handled his tantrums was delivered in a way of strength and not frustration. And finally I prayed that through this entire day of trying moment after trying moment, I showed God's love and grace to my amazing boy!!

I'd like to say that our day got easier as it went on, but that would be a fib! But we did have some wonderful cuddles (while crying... I called it the hug hold), some giggles and silly moments, and at the end of the day those are the moments I need to hold close!!

By Grace I will be the best momma I can be and pray that my boys only remember the silly, loving moments that accompany our rough days!

So today I too will remember the silly moments and instead of posting a picture of Jackson melting down (yes, i actually took one. I know, awful mommy, but it caught me off guard), I'm going to share my favorite silly moment of our day.....

Doing daddy's silly face!