Loving my Potato Sack

As an early childhood educator, I‘ve developed a passion for and enjoymenf of inviting young minds to explore- come touch, look and listen to the smallest blade of grass to the largest rolling waves. I delight in those inquisitive words rushing out of roaring thoughts, “why is the sky blue?” “what does God look like?” “why is there war?”

Recently, I accepted a job to teach 3 year olds at a preschool where my son and I will attend. Seeing those precious little fully walking and talking ones absolutely excited me... Thus came the realization that I am struggling to enjoy the infant “potato sack“ days of my son’s life.

At six weeks old and some change, my son‘s (and thus my house-bound) days consist of mostly eating, sleeping, popping and fussing in transition between those survivial activities. Lacking mobility or even stability, he‘s limitations illustrate the vunlerable basis of human exsistance. And yet because of the repetitive mundane, I truly believe that going back to work with my baby close by will make me a better mother. Futhermore, I am excited for the more interactive baby days...

So for now, for those mommas who struggle like me to rejoice fully in there baby’s infant days here are a few tips I am trying to practice....

1. Treasure the little moments: adorable milestonss such as eye-contact/ tracking, lifting his head, and gassy smiles.... my favorite is when Matt looks at me and makes cooing noises responding to my voice saying, “hi!”

2. Use humor during difficult moments: teasing about the amount of poop “you are my mustard making champ!” Or when fussy, “aren‘t you being just a little bit dramatic?!” Or “hey, Mr. Fussy Pants!” Laughter eases the rougher times.

3. Watch baby when he sleeps: just seeing your little one curled up cozy serenely sleeping and listening to those irregular breathes (at first extremely alarming) gives momma such peace. Heck take a picture to see those sweetly soothing closed eyelids FOREVER and look at it during those crying-because-I-am-sooo-exhausted times (a preview to my child’s soon-to-come state).

4. Cuddle as much possible: After feedings especially those sweet milk- drunk cuddles melt my momma heart! And for particularly fussy moments, I love to wrap him close to my body and still carry on with some chores (folding laundry, cleaning counters, and unloading dishwashers are baby strapped on friendly tasks). I like to check off my to-do list with my son, as a way to invite him into and not totally dictate my homelife.

5, Listen to Podcast when breastfeeding: My son takes milk time very seriously, so takes his sweet sucking time. By the time we empty both breast (about 10 minutes each) take burpy breaks and somethings milk-drunk stare/smile breaks and the 20 minute vertical digestive time- a hour has past. Therefore plenty of time to listen (sometimes on speaker - other times with headphones) to some wholesome words.

RECOMMENDATIONS

-sermons/ theological growth: Word on Fire Bishop Robert Barron, Peachtree Presbyterian Church Sermons, Passion City Church

- wholesome momma growth: The Blossoming Momma and Baby Show (the best mommy podcast I’ve discovered- highly recommend)

-mommy humor: Mamma Said (warning- a lot of cussing so headphones recommended)

- mommy brain-candy: Mommies Tell All (best for end of the day breastfeeding when a little tired)

With different natural gifts and inclinations, each momma flourishes at various of her child‘s stages. Some are more inclined towards the sweet simplicity of the infant stage while others, like me, thrive in the chaos of the wiggling baby/toddler stage. Does this mean that you will not thrive in all stages of your child’s life? NO! Does this make you a bad mother? HECK NO!

The basic answer is: intentionally learn to find blessings in your less natural point of motherhood- and accept the grace of imperfection covered by love.

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