Guest Post: Early Motherhood by Courtney

Courtney is a full time mom, wife and Christ-follower with a love of writing, trying new things, coffee, social networking, and almost everything that fits under the “crunchy granola” label.

Courtney writes at Baxtron{Life} a lifestyle blog following the adventures of a family of three in New York City.

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Courtney contributed a lovely piece to the Defining Me series here at Like a Bird in April. Check out her post: Defining Courtney.

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I have realized over the very short amount of time that I have been a mother, that comparing labor stories can be a recipe for disaster.

I am not going to tell you all about my crazy insane birth story, because, I am pretty sure to every first time mother…the event is typically just that…difficult and surreal.

 

One of the first most memorable and breathtaking moments I had as a mother was hearing the cries of my daughter after she was delivered. After the whole exhausting labor experience, nothing could have prepared me for how hearing her voice for the first time would penetrate the deepest parts of my soul.

It was at that moment that I was completely dumbfounded by the intensity of love I am capable of having for another human being, and mesmerized by the expanded real estate of my heart.

 

When my daughter was taken to the special care nursery after my delivery and I wasn’t able to actually hold her or see her for almost 12 hours, I was caught off guard by the intolerable longing to have her in my arms, and the frustration at having to wait.  I cried again when I held her for the first time.  She was truly the most beautiful little person I had ever laid eyes on.
I remember thinking, how did this little person, perfect in every way, come from me?
And, what did I ever do to deserve such a precious gift?

 

One of the best experiences I have had as a mother so far, is breastfeeding.
I had committed to doing the full first year, but when the time came, I wasn’t really ready to ween her. There are no words to describe the bonding experience that I had with my daughter as she nursed. I loved the way she would fall asleep and be totally “boob drunk” after a feed.
Breastfeeding was a uniquely empowering experience for me.

 

I continue to be amazed at the love I have for my little girl, and I cherish every moment I share with her.  She is now approaching her 2nd birthday, so much quicker than I would like. I am so blessed to get to experience the pure joy she embodies, every single day.
Even on the most difficult days of parenting, these special moments quickly overshadow the struggles and challenges.

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A note from Kendra:

Courtney, thank you so much for sharing these little pieces of early motherhood for me and all of my readers. It’s so inspiring and beautiful and encouraging to read stories from the perspective of a young or new mother.