... A Community

I was a little obsessed with clubs as a little girl and now I finally get to be a part of the coolest one; Motherhood (insert winky face). It is amazing to me the amount of support you can receive the moment you gain the title of mother. I am exceedingly grateful it can be this way.

It all starts with announcing you are pregnant. Most people congratulate you or send good wishes, but I have found that other mothers who love being moms are the most enthusiastic. These mommas make you feel like you've just won the lottery ("Winner-Gangant" plays through my head). You find yourself laughing as they reminisce the hospital drama or the "baby-dropping" stories that were buried deep down just for these moments. You also find corners of your house you never knew existed as it becomes filled wall-to-wall with baby "must-haves" and "too-cute-not-to's".

Then you give birth and bring baby home for the first time. Looking back from this side, I understand that there are things you just can't explain to a mother-to-be; they are things that have to be experienced. Although not every experience is the same for each person, there are many similarities that seem to bind us together. I feel so encouraged when I share my stories with other moms and in turn hear theirs.

If you are fortunate to have a mother or mother-figure in your life you may be showered with advice. I know for some it may be overwhelming or burdensome. That being said, please allow me the honor of passing some valuable advice I was given; listen. I'm not saying that others should dictate every move and choice in raising your child. What I am saying is to take the time to hear what they are saying. Let all the ideas and rebuttals you already have floating through your brain have a seat on the couch. Once you've truly heard the advice, then decide what you are going to do with it. You may be pleasantly surprised what an experienced momma has to offer. I could be wrong, but I don't think the average mom would be sharing advice for any other reason than to help, let alone a mom who genuinely loves you.

You may be fortunate to receive support in other ways like frozen meals, hand-me-downs, hang outs and baby-sitting. The way I see it, fighting these offers of help will only rob you of the chance to nurture these relationships and truly experience motherhood for what it can be. After becoming a mother, my desire to be there for other moms has only increased.

Between friends and family, God has provided pretty much everything and anything we needed for BabyK. A huge part of that was our local BuyNothing group. I highly recommend checking your area for one here. Not only is it a great way to save money, it is an amazing way to give back to and build your community.

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Matthew 6:8

"for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."