A mom's job is never done

It's so true!  A mom's job is never done.  Another meal to cook.  Another diaper to change.  And... laundry, laundry, laundry!  It is easy to get caught in the never ending tasks.  How do we cope as mothers?

I invite you to see the video below.  Erin Davis has written a book titled "Beyond Bath Time" which illustrates the sacred calling of motherhood.  In her book, she is brutally honest and shares all angles - the good, bad, and ugly.  I encourage you to read Erin's book.

 

Finding the Time

What child doesn't want to come home from school to their mom baking cookies? My Mom was a working mom when I was growing up. I always secretly wished to have her home baking cookies for my after school snack. I believe this idea is rooted in creating lasting memories and also warm and fuzzy feelings.

There's something to be said about a traditional wife and mother.  One who cooks and cleans for her family and creates a home not just a house.

My own words haunt me when I find it's impossible to be the perfect mom.  Finding the "time" is sometimes the hardest thing to do.  Laundry, dishes, cooking, etc. take my time.  However, homemaking is the perfect way to show love.

I found this text in an article titled The Art of Homemaking on Focus on the Family.  It's a perfect illustration of homemaking...

Homemaking happens when we fully understand the value of home in our lives. Homemaking happens when we intentionally make home a safe house, a trauma unit, a pep rally, a playground, a school and more. Somebody has to have the time and energy to bring those roles alive in a family's life. Somebody has to make a house a home. Homemaking is majoring in family relationships.

When the kids come home from school and smell cookies baking in the oven, they feel nurtured and cared for. No matter what challenges the school day brought, it fades at the smell of fresh-baked cookies.

When my husband comes home from work and dinner is cooking, he immediately feels that home is a safe place. A refuge. A place where he is cared for. Whatever stress was experienced at work begins to melt as he walks in and knows that food and comfort go hand in hand.

When a friend stops by and smells a pot of coffee brewing, she knows someone was anticipating her arrival. She feels welcome. There is relational warmth extended to her.

When my family comes home to the smell of Pledge or Lysol, they know someone has been caring for the home they live in. There's something about the smell of cleaning products that says, "Everything's okay at home."

Our home is designed to be a place where we can relax, find comfort, feel safe and receive love. Smells can never substitute for quality conversation, physical affection or words of encouragement, but they can have a powerful effect on our emotions and sense of security in the family unit.

Still having your own life

Becoming a mother is the most unselfish thing you will ever do.  Nothing else in life takes over your body for 40 weeks and becomes the center of your world forever.  I am still amazed to see a little of myself and my husband in our little girl.  Watching her grow is fascinating.

I still have memories of what it was like before I became a mother.  Being able to sleep in as long as I wanted.  Being able to go out on a date with my husband any day of the week without prior babysitting arrangements.  Just being able to take a shower without it working around my little one's schedule.  All of these memories are nice to remember, but what about now?  I still need to have a life of my own.

Be open to flexibility to continue a somewhat normal life for yourself.  If it means breastfeeding in the back seat of your car in the parking lot of the mall just to be able to shop, then do it!  If it means going out with your girlfriend for coffee for just an hour, then do it!  Being able to cater to yourself in some way is necessary for your own well being. 

Worries about SIDS

As mothers, it is natural for us to protect our children.  Whether they are first starting to walk or driving their first car.  I have said many times... I have never completely understood "worry" until I became a mother.

SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a VERY scary thought for a new mother.  I probably lost more sleep just worrying about SIDS and my baby.  Reading all of the articles about SIDS can really be frightening.  It is something that we should be aware of, but we must not worry ourselves to the point of sleeplessness.

Listening to your mother's instinct is key.  Create a comfortable sleep environment for your baby, and make sure to use a tight fitting sheet on his or her crib.  Remove all toys, blankets, and stuffed animals.  Also, think about the temperature of your thermostat at home.  My husband likes it cold while I like it comfortable. ;-) Your baby's cheeks and hands will tell you if he or she is cold.

Recently, I read an article about a gentleman named Bill Schmid.  He and his wife lost their precious baby Haley to SIDS.  They created a product called the HALO Sleep Sack for SIDS prevention.  I think this is a wonderful product!  Click here for the article and a link to their website.