Mama, from the moment you found out you were going to have your baby, to now with your little one physically in your arms, you have no doubt been bombarded by all the do’s, don’ts, advice, and the works. And boy is it ever overwhelming!
Especially as you hold your little one, you can’t help but think that if you don’t do everything you’ve heard, been told or read, or if you pick and choose wrong, that you’ll ruin your child’s development, that you’ll be looked down upon as a horrible mother, and that it’ll be the end of the world as you know it.
Mama, like I kindly reminded you in my first month post, pause, and breathe.
Pause & Breathe for Perspective
In time, you will come to know the specific needs of your child – the joys of your superpowers that come with being a Mama, you’ll develop traditions that’ll bring your family closer together – and those too will change with your family’s growth, and you’ll come to know little by little that even when you your own worst critic tells you you’re less than, a sweet, little face will look up at you with the phrase, “Mama, I love you!” written all over it.
Now bringing it back to this moment right now you’re at with your little one, few things truly matter. How you parent will always look different compared to someone else, and that’s ok. But putting aside the comparison and the doubts running through your head, don’t forget to shift your focus on what matters right now.
As Maria from The Sound of Music put it, as you focus on what’s before you, you’ll gain favorite things from and with your little one. And your favorite things won’t be huge things or moments per say, but the simple.
Simple things like holding hands, cuddling, and seeing that heart stopping smile for the first time will hold the greatest joys that’ll fill your heart with incredible weight. A weight that will ground you, and make being a Mama worthwhile, allowing the negative and second guessing, even if just for a moment, to melt away into nothingness.
Let me share a few of my favorite things that I’ve experienced and come to cherish with my own dear baby that I hope will see you through. And I don’t doubt that they’ll come to be yours too.
Favorite Thing #1: Holding Hands
Holding their hand will make you realize just how small the world’s noises and demands are, compared to how big and important this bond, this time between you and your babe are.
Holding their hand will give you strength that you can lead them, raise them, and love them. Yet it’ll also remind you to take seriously this great gift that has been placed into your arms. You are their Mama. Not Karen down the street or Lindsay with the seemingly perfect Instagram profile. You. With your flaws and your strengths. You are their Mama. They need you.
As your baby reaches up to hold your hand, they reach up to show that they trust you. That you are their safe place. That you are their home. They’re so full of trust and long for you to trust in yourself in that same loving way.
Favorite Thing #2: Cuddling
Cuddling brings everything to a standstill. Amidst the rush, the running on low energy, and the what ifs, just sitting down with them will cause a sigh of relief from your body to your mind to your heart.
Cuddling allows you to pause. You are allowed to pause. You must pause, for the both of you. You must pause to bond with them, to be united as mother and child. And you must pause for you, Mama. Doing so will allow those endorphins shared between the both of you to center and relieve you. Embrace this moment and your dear babe, Mama.
Cuddling reminds you that no matter the state of your home, your body, and your life, this is what is truly worth your time and effort right now. The home will have time in the future to be set right. Your body will repair itself as you patiently care for it. Your life will continue to change and move forward. But this right here only lasts for so long. This time with your baby is what truly matters. So, snuggle in with them, mind and body, fully. What could be better than that?
Favorite Thing #3: First Smiles
First smiles are the sweet nectar of life. First smiles are the sprinkles on top of the sundae. First smiles are what makes your world stop and then go round, and round, and round.
First smiles are the beginning of them truly coming into their own, becoming their true selves, and you are their first reason to express such sincere happiness. You are their first reason to smile.
First smiles, so little yet so big, so real and oh so sincere, so endearing and so addictive, leaving you wanting more. Every next decision of yours will be to give them another reason to smile. And as they smile at you, and you back at them, this is what gives you real purpose and meaning. You matter to them. And they matter to you. Simple as that.
Favorite Things Are Everything
Mama, I know you’ll have many more favorite things to have and to hold. I know it.
Mama, these favorite things are the very things you’ll remember years from now. These are the things that will shape how you help your little one move forward well. These are the things that you must lean back on. Because these favorite things are oh so important!
Watch for and hold close to those favorite things, Mama. Especially that little one that made it all possible. These favorite things are everything, because they come from that dear, little one that is your everything.
What have been, or were, a few of your favorite things as you’ve watched your baby grow?
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**If you enjoyed this article, feel free to check out these other great & insightful posts:
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/fun-important-games-to-help-in-your-babys-development/
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/7-fun-meaningful-family-traditions-thatll-unify-encourage-teach-both-you-and-your-child/
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/why-giving-your-baby-the-freedom-to-explore-will-benefit-them-in-the-long-run/
🎉https://stephanietracywrites.com/the-importance-joy-of-reading-with-your-child-plus-a-list-of-25-of-our-familys-current-favorite-childrens-books/
About the Author
Hi there! I’m Stephanie Tracy, a freelance writer and blogger for hire. I specialize in physical and mental health, parenting, and self-development. I create engaging, inspiring and useful content to help businesses progress in making their viewers into customers. When I’m not writing, you can find me on the floor happily playing with my baby boy, walking in the park with my family, or indulging in a movie marathon with my husband.
“These are a Few of my Favorite Things” to Remind You of the Beauty of Parenting
