Today Henry is 4 months old. Yesterday we went and got his 4 month check-up and immunizations. Henry hates getting shots, not unlike every other baby. The only thing is that he gets a fever and is fussy for about 24 hours after. So, knowing this is what happened the first time and not being prepared for it at all, I decided to do the shots early in the morning and give Tylenol immediately afterwards and then every 4 hours for like 24 hours. Well, suffice it to say, he got a bad fever again, even with the Tylenol. :(
So, I was up a lot of last night. While I was rocking and nursing for what seemed the 10th time that night, I was thinking.....
When does a Mother become a Mother and how?
Is is when she has a baby of her own?
I believe that most little girls if they are lucky enough to have good mothers, were taught at a young age how to care. How to love and be mother like.
I have been so blessed to be brought up by in my mind "The Best Mother"(Direct your eyes to the woman in the coral and pink shirt). My mom taught me all of these lessons, and it also helped that I was 9 when my brother was born. I think even at this age, I had a small Motherly instinct.
My mind goes back to the years when my brother, sister and I were babysat. One time, I remember being at the babysitters with my siblings and I remember Joe crying for what seemed like a long time. I remember going up stairs to pick him up, and the babysitter saying to me" Do Not Pick Him Up! He needs to learn how to sleep on his own". I then preceeded to pick him up and say to her"Umm, I am his sister and he is crying and he wants me!!"
Sorry for the bunny trail story :)
I also have been blessed with a wonderful Mother-in-law who is very loving to me and to Henry.
(Direct your eyes to the woman in blue and white) I have seen her mothering skills in many ways with her own children and her grand-children.
I also have had wonderful grandma's and strong woman who became Mom's who I have admired and learned from.
I think Mothers sacrifice and Love no matter what, even when it is hard.
It is weird for me to think that I am a MOM sometimes. I am Henry's Mom..
I write this part and it in no way takes away the thoughts and feelings of people with out children. But it is so INTENSE the love you have for your baby.. I think it helps you maybe understand a little more the Love that God has for us. We are his children. And I guess I thought I understood what that meant. But then when you have a baby, I feel like I personally got it...
It is a Love that is different than the Love I have for my Husband, and for my Family..
So in conclusion, thank your MOM today.. Maybe your mother has passed away, take this moment to not be sad, but remember the lessons she taught you. And if you are blessed enough to still have your mother, tell HER thanks... Because whether you know it or not, she probably wrestles with the thoughts of if she was raising you correctly and in the best way..
