Overcoming Fears

About a week ago, we experienced an awesome parenting moment. It was a moment that moved us to tears as we watched our baby girl grow as a person and overcome a fear. For some reason, Holly recently developed a fear of bath time. One night she just didn’t want to get a bath and she let us know it. There were a lot of tears in the days to follow whenever bath time came around. We tried several different strategies from no bath at all to ditching the baby tub for the big tub. Nothing was working, she would just cry and cry and we felt defeated. Most of what I read about fear of baths was in older children, so I didn’t quite get a straight answer on what to do. But, I pieced together some information from what I did read and came up with a strategy. So, a week ago, I got the music going, got the big tub water temperature just right, put down a soft towel in the tub, and loaded it up with toys. Then, I got my bathing suit on and climbed in. Holly sat in my lap at first and we just sang and hung out. She whimpered, but that was nothing compared to the nights before. After a few minutes, she started to show interest in splashing. So, I slowly lowered her into the water and she starting having a hay day. She was cackling and loving it. Holly is a happy baby, but rarely laughs. It was such a sweet moment to see her take a risk and truly enjoy the reward. In that moment, she conquered her fears and just grew to be more a little more independent. I really can’t put into words how it felt as her mama to watch her take this step. It reminds me that sometimes it is the small steps that we take that can yield the most growth. Most of the time, it’s just a matter of taking that first step. I am confident that much like the pride I felt for my daughter taking this step, the Lord feels the same for us as we take steps in our growth with Him. Through the journey, He is ready to provide us with what we need to take those steps and guide us as we go. My family is resting in this right now as we face big decisions in the coming weeks and months (one being: we’re looking for our first house!). I read this verse today which struck my heart as I am reminded of how I need to trust in the Lord with my anxieties and fears: “And my God will meet all you needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) The Lord meets all of our needs, no matter what they pertain to. Wherever we are, He’s been there too. Tonight, we’ll rest in that.

Some Thoughts on Mother's Day

The past few days I have been overwhelmed with thankfulness every time I look at my baby girl. Perhaps it is in the spirit of Mother’s Day coming up this weekend that I am more in tune with my gratefulness. Each day I find myself remembering my longing to be a mom mixed with joy in knowing that my prayer was answered. The truth is, I was already a mother before this year’s Mother’s Day. And, although we have never held our other babies or looked into their faces, they made me a mom. They helped prepare me to be the mom I am to Holly now. They helped make it possible for us to hold and see the face of our sweet baby girl today. I will not forget them as I celebrate Mother’s Day this year as their little spirits live deep in my heart.

The other day, Holly and I were dancing to the “toddler station” on Pandora, and the song “Peace Like a River” came on in the mix. The song pretty much sums up my feelings on motherhood. I have been overcome with peace like a river, love like an ocean, and joy like a fountain as I experience being Holly’s mom. So, this Mother’s Day is a testament to the Lord’s faithfulness in our lives- how He brought us our miracle baby, how He has sustained her, and allowed us to experience this life together. To all my mama friends whose motherhood was cut short too soon, I love you. I am praying for you. I pray that you are filled with peace this Mother’s Day. And, to all my mama friends new and “old”, grab those kiddos and give them a long hug and snuggle them up. Cherish them and remember what a gift each and every one of them is.