Wow….where to begin!!!! I must apologize that we have not updated in a LONG time, we usually just post on Facebook. I am going to take a conscious effort to post on our website, but being a mamma is sure keeping me busy.
First, no one can EVER tell you the intensity of emotions one feels as a new mother. Some adjectives described were: “amazing, incredible, discouraging” but honestly the words that comes to mind for me is “priceless” and “indescribable”. Being a mother is a true gift. I have to admit the first few weeks were the hardest of our lives. I had a pretty intense labor and delivery, complete with almost 4 and half hours of pushing. Like Joe mentioned, Avery had jaundice, which made it difficult those first few days, especially since the only thing I wanted to do was hold my baby. And those darn hormones! Anyway, after many ups and downs those first weeks of motherhood, I finally felt like I could do it. All of those sleepless nights, monotonous nursing, diaper changing, burping, is ALL worth it.
Now, at almost 4 months old, Avery and I have such a special relationship. She is my daughter, and I am her mother. Those were just words to me before I became a mother, and even when I was pregnant. Now, as a mother, it holds such a powerful feeling, feelings that words cannot describe. Avery is doing very well, she brings a smile to our faces every day. I cannot even begin to list all the “adorableness” that makes Avery who she is. One of the things that I absolutely love about my daughter is her expressive nature. Avery has the best expressions throughout the day: her morning gummy grins, her little person laugh and countless giggles, and her arching eyebrows. Avery’s squeals and coos make even the 2 hour sleep from the night before seem like 10 hour sleep. She also lets you know when she is frustrated. This happens usually when she is tired and wants to be cuddled and put to sleep. We are teaching one another and learning so much from and about each other. Every day is a gift.
Avery has already experienced so much of the world in her short months. Some of the highlights include: visits from family and friends, numerous play dates with new friends and even boyfriends, visiting Daddy at work, seeing Mommy’s classroom, weekend trips to Starbucks with Daddy, daily walks around our neighborhood, accompanying mommy and daddy to sushi, shopping trips and even a road trip to Portland to see Uncle Ryan and Auntie Becca! Overall, we have learned that she is quite the observer and is taking everything in. She truly is experiencing the world, and in lots of ways, I am experiencing the world through her eyes.
My daughter is the best teacher I have ever had. Her lessons go beyond anything I have ever taught my students. Being her mother has taught me lifelong lessons, new levels of patience, understanding and love. Most of all, I have learned that being a mother produces such unconditional love (both receiving and giving) that no one could ever prepare you for.
