A year ago today on October 11, 2016, the “precious princess” of our family – as I like to call her – my daughter was born. My love for her is unending, unconditional and indescribable (just like the love for my son) so I won’t bother trying to explain it to you. What I will describe is how she has completely changed who I am as a person.
First of all, if you are a parent, you know how self-denying it can be. Like when you have a newborn and really, REALLY, want/need sleep but you get up in the middle of the night (several times a night) to care for them. As they grow up and start developing their own likes and dislikes, there is another level of laying down what you desire. Like watching more kid shows [I see you Octonauts!] or giving up bites of your meal 😄. With a 3 year old and 1 year old, that’s as far as I’ve gotten in my motherhood journey.
When my son was born, my eyes were opened to the love and responibility that is required to be a parent. But when my daughter was born, I was reminded of who I wanted to be as a woman. There was a different responsibility that I had to address. One of teaching my daughter what it means to be a lady. How to carry yourself with poise, dignity and respect. Just like how my husband is responsible to teach my son and be an example of what it means to be a man.
When my son was born, I lost myself a little and rightly so. I was consumed with diaper changes and bottles and baby books, that I forgot who I was. For me, parenting comes down to doing what is best for your child. After having a baby, it wasn’t about just me or my marriage anymore but my son and our family. (Still focus on a marital relationship though post kids but that’s a WHOLE other blog. 🙂)
After my daughter was born, I was reminded that I am the best example of what being a woman is for her. How can I embody something that I’m not focusing on myself? Since she’s been born, I’ve taken a little more pride in my appearance (not that I didn’t before) and I’ve been more intentional with my actions. I remember as a little girl, watching my mother do her hair and makeup and wanting to be like her. Watching my mom do devotions and go to church laid a good foundation in me as well. I hope my daughter wants the same thing. Not because of who I am but because of who I am trying to replicate (✝️) and because of who I believe she can be.
When I look at her, and my son as well, I see a whole future full of possibilities for them and with hard work and determination, they can be anything they want. The funny thing about raising a person is you don’t realize how much you yourself will change. It took a little girl to bring out the real woman in me and for that I am forever grateful. ❤️