What I’m Looking Forward to as a New Mom
27 days to go until our due date! I can’t believe we are in the final stretch! It feels so close yet strangely so far away! Since my last blog post, a lot has happened.
Our family and friends showered us with lots of gifts, love, and well wishes at our baby shower in late August. The following week we finished the nursery and I can’t help but peek in his room now and again and picture Matthew in there playing. My work family threw me a surprise baby shower in the office. I’m so appreciative of all the wonderful gifts and delicious food. I’m officially on maternity leave and plan on doing what I can to get ready for when Matthew gets here like prepping freezer meals and straightening up the house. I’m also making time for the little “luxuries” that will be a bit more difficult once Matthew arrives, like reading, seeing a movie, going out with my friends, and getting my nails done.
As I near my due date, I am filled with a mix of emotions. There’s an unexplainable, magical feeling as I realize how our lives are going to change and become even richer. I’m becoming increasingly impatient waiting for our due date to get here (it feels like the days are dragging by). I’m also extremely nervous, crossing my fingers in hopes that I do this parenting thing right. Luckily, my excitement trumps the latter and I remind myself that everything will be fine.
While we wait for Matthew to make his grand entrance, I can’t help but think about all the things I have to look forward to as a new mom.
Mom.
I don’t think it’s sunk in yet that I will have a new title and, with it, new responsibilities. Yes, parenthood is hard. No one becomes a parent because it’s easy. And nothing can really prepare you for becoming a parent, either. But it is a tremendous experience and I believe the benefits far
outweigh any of the exhausting bad.
As I take this all in, I picture the many things I can’t wait to do and experience as a new mom. Many of these my mom, grandparents, and other family members did with me growing up and they had a big impact on me and I cherish these memories deeply. I hope Matthew will grow up to feel the same and appreciate them.
Reading to him as my MomMom did to me. One of my fondest childhood memories is sitting on the arm of my grandmother’s recliner as she read Dr. Seuss books to me. Those times shared made me love reading and poetry, and I hope I can instill the same love of books and words in my son.
Taking lots and lots of pictures. What Mom doesn’t take endless pictures of her kids? I’ll take my selfie game up a notch and take pictures with him. Of course, I look forward to taking pictures of him in cute onesies and outfits, and when he’s dressed for the holidays or special occasions. I plan on capturing milestones like when he first stands and getting lots of pictures when he’s acting silly.
Celebrating his milestones. From rolling over to taking his first steps, saying his first words to starting his first day of school, wearing his first Halloween costume to playing his first sport, I’m excited for all the “firsts” and to see him reach many milestones and celebrate his development.
Teaching him how to respect and love pets. Pets play an important role in our lives and are considered members of the family. They should be cherished as much as possible. Not only do I want him to love his fur siblings, but all pets.
Cooking with him. Cooking together creates bonding time. I look forward to many mornings, afternoons, and evenings spent in the kitchen making meals and dishes together. Cooking is also an essential life skill. I want him to know how to prepare a good meal. Cooking will also help teach him how to follow directions and substitute items when needed, and help boost his confidence since he made something himself.
Teaching him how to be a problem solver. Problems are everywhere. They are a part of our everyday lives. Rather than feeling stuck or flustered and giving up easy, I want him to put on his thinking cap and come up with a solution when a problem or issue arises.
Showing him what family is. When it comes to family, I’m a firm believer that family is defined by love, not blood. Support, loyalty, trust, protection, security, and respect are what make people family.
Starting family traditions. I grew up with many family traditions like going to my Grandmother’s on Christmas Eve and we had a Secret Santa gift exchange. My parents threw New Years Eve parties and invited my aunts, uncles, and cousins. We stayed up to watch the ball drop and then would shoot off backyard fireworks. Family traditions create a positive family culture, strengthen family bonds, and create lasting memories. I look forward to continuing some of the traditions I grew up with and creating our own.
All the love. The cuddles and snuggles, the never-ending kisses, the pure laughter, and constant smiles, I can’t wait to shower him with all the love.
One question I’ve been asked is if I’m going to miss being pregnant. Well, right now I’m at that point where I’m done being pregnant. Pregnancy is an incredible journey and I was excited to watch my belly grow. But, I’m ready to meet our baby boy and start our parenting journey.
