What 2012 Taught Me

Back in January, I blogged about my two "New Years Resolutions."

Have a Baby

and

Be a Mom

At the time, I was 4 months pregnant.  

I knew I would be having a baby in 2012.  I knew I would become a mom in 2012. 

So, I kinda cheated.

When Stef at Miss Jo and Co. asked me to guest post about what I learned in 2012, I immediately thought about those two resolutions and how life-changing and humbling they've been for me.

I am an independent person.

And I'm a stubborn person.
I hate asking for help.

But 2012 taught me to ask for help.

I learned that asking for help doesn't meant that I am weak.

It means that I am aware enough to see the limits of what I can do and strong enough to admit that I cannot do everything.

Let me 'splain:

My pregnancy nearly killed me and my kid.

I'm not exaggerating at all (oh, how I wish I was!).

I had hyperemesis while I was pregnant, spent 5 months on bed rest, and was in and out of the hospital at least 4 times a week.

My son was born a month early because my placenta abrupted and I lost a lot of blood, he had hardly any amniotic fluid and was in distress, he was wrapped multiple times in the umbilical cord, and was grey with black hands and feet and not-breathing-or-moving when he was born.

Now, as a mom, everything I thought I knew about motherhood has kind of gone out the window as I realize every day that my kiddo is an individual, with individual needs and challenges.  My "motherhood ideals" were grand generalizations, but what my kid needs is a mother who attends to his individual needs.

I have had to ask for help so many times.

And I've learned that people are so willing to help!

During 2012, I have been overwhelmed with all the help that I've received!

•  My momma and siblings cleaned my house and prepped my nursery 
• Friends brought my husband dinners
• Friends came and kept me company and played games with me while I was on bed rest
• Friends and family picked things up at the grocery store for me
• Friends took my dog so I could have a little quiet time
• Family came and watched J so I could sleep
• Friends calmed my new mom crazies  
• Far away friends and family called and texted regularly
• Family helped me learn to run and motivated me to stay physically active
•  Friends and family spread the word that I was going to be teaching piano and voice
• A friend dropped off bags of formula for J
• A far away friend made and sent me a maternity skirt
• Friends have taught me how to treat a baby's cold
• Family has taught me to trust my mothering instincts

I could easily go on.

When given the opportunity or when asked, people are so happy to help!

2012 taught me that I have so many blessings, but sometimes those blessings come from other people, and sometimes I have to ask for those blessings first.

I have been so blessed by wonderful people who have helped me.  

And I'm so much happier knowing that I don't have to do everything alone.