Emotional beginning
I recently became a mother in July of this year. When our sweet Hadley entered this world, I was filled with every emotion possible. First and foremost, happiness and so much joy. But, just like any first time mom, I was also terrified and fearful. Worried that I wouldn’t be a good mom, that I wouldn’t have the resources to raise this sweet girl, and the list goes on and on. The first few weeks were a major adjustment. Adjusting to having a new baby at home, breastfeeding, and learning my husband and I’s new roles as parents. However, they by far have been the sweetest and most precious moments of my life this far.
Our baby girl
Hadley is now 4 months old (almost 5) and we have begun to adjust to this new life with our little girl. God truly blessed us when he gave us Hadley. She is calm, sweet, smiley, and happy as can be most days. I have always wanted to be a mom and Hadley has made becoming a mom so easy.
I went back to work 2 days a week back in October. Leaving Hadley was by far one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. Luckily, I get to leave her with my mother in law or my mom for those two days a week. It really does take a village to raise a child! I am so grateful that on the days I have to leave her, she gets to spend time with family. Both my family and in-laws are AMAZING. They are willing to help with Hadley any day of the week, which has been such a blessing! I hope that Hadley grows up understanding how loved she is!
I can do all things…
My favorite verse in the Bible is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” I have heavily relied on God to give me strength and guidance since becoming a mother. I don’t think anyone fully understands what motherhood is like until they have a child. There are so many good days, but those bad days can be hard to battle and can often make you feel alone. God has definitely made it possible for me to be the mother I want to be and has helped me along with raising Hadley through him. I have been so thankful for this opportunity to raise her and that God chose me to be her mother. Her birth has opened my eyes to God and forced me to follow him faithfully.
Learning to be a mom
I still have so much to learn as a mother and I don’t think I’ll ever know half of the stuff there is to know. There are new learning curves everyday and having a baby can be very unpredictable. This past week Hadley has started teething and we went from sleeping all night to hardly sleeping at all. This has been so mentally challenging for me. I love to sleep and not getting enough sleep can make me irritable and inpatient. I have relied on God a lot this past week to help get me through the nights. I’ve prayed numerous times for wisdom, strength, and patience. It’s comforting to know as a first time mom, I constantly have someone to turn to for guidance and strength. Even in the middle of the night.
My husband and I have recently been discussing our role as parents and raising Hadley to love and follow God. In today’s world, it can be challenging to keep your children on the right path. Josh and I have looked at ourselves and our relationship with God. Although we try our best to read the Bible and pray, we often fail. I know that personally I often make excuses to do other things rather than be in God’s word. I have to take care of Hadley, the dishes need done, the house is a mess, etc. However, now that we have Hadley we both have been working to make it a priority in our lives so that we are the best example to her.
Reflect daily
At any stage in motherhood, whether you’re a first time mom or a mom of 5 kids, I think it’s important to reflect on your spiritual life daily. Before Hadley was born, I only had to worry about myself and my spiritual decisions only affected me. However, now I have a little human that relies on me to lead her down the correct path. As a mother, it is part of my responsibility to bring Hadley close to God and have a knowledge of him. Although it can seem like a very daunting task, I have to remind myself that God will lead me through this stage in my life if I lean on him. And As I said before “I can do anything through Christ who gives me strength.” Motherhood is a full time job, but it has been my favorite job so far.
Meet Courtney!
Hi! My name is Courtney! I live in the beautiful area of SW Colorado. I am a momma to my sweet baby girl, Hadley and wife to my amazing husband, Josh.
We have one cat and two dogs to complete our family. I love spending time with my family and being outdoors.