I originally posted this on my previous blog, My Life Commentary, when my first child was 9 months old. It was encouraging to see how much I’ve grown since being a new mom 9 years ago.

I still have a lot of questions about what’s around the corner and what life will look like as she and my other two kids continue to grow, but the reassurance from God has grown as well! I’ve seen Him equip me in ways I never could have imagined, and have no doubt He’ll continue to prepare me for what’s coming around the corner next, even if it’s hard, uncomfortable, or scary!

My Thoughts as a New Mom

There are moments when I can’t believe my little baby is already 9 months old. When I think about how much she can already do compared with, well, 9 months ago she seems so big! But then at the same time, I know we’re just starting out and there’s so much to this motherhood thing I’m still clueless about.

Sometimes when I think about what’s coming, I start to get overwhelmed and have no idea how I’m going to handle the future, like:

• Having another one or two on top of everything else going on.
• Actually needing to discipline, beyond the simple foundational things you can do with a 9 month old.
• Balancing the desire to give her everything she wants with the knowledge that it’s better she doesn’t get it all, and picking and choosing which wants we let her have.
• How life will change and she gets older and starts walking, talking, expressing her opinions more clearly and often, going to school, choosing friends, learning how to deal with peers, experiencing pain…
• Knowing when to push her towards the edge of the nest and when to pull her back and protect her.
• Preparing her to be the woman God wants her to be.

Of course I could go on, but I don’t want to get too overwhelmed here…

As a list-maker, I thought a list of things I’ve learned first-hand would help calm me down:

• Maternal instincts definitely exist and kick-in when necessary.
• A lot of this motherhood thing is doing your best and counting on God for the rest.
• God gives us the kids we get for a reason. Yes, sometimes it’s a challenge when my little night owl fights bedtime and naps (just like Mommy), but it’s a battle I’m familiar with since I’m often fighting it, too. I feel like that helps.
• There’s no one right way to do things. Experts tell you conflicting things all the time, from how warmly to dress your baby to whether or not they sleep in your bed with you. Figure out what works for you and go with it.
• Moms come in all different shapes, sizes and personalities. Comparing yourself to other moms will only make you feel bad about yourself and self-conscious. Yes, you can always be a better mother, but play to your strengths and get help in areas you aren’t as good at. 
• Life is in constant flux, but the changes come little-by-little, so by the time you reach the next milestone you’re a little more prepared.
• 9 months ago I barely knew anything about babies. Now I know how to feed her, play with her, encourage her, soothe her, tell the difference between her cries…
• I’m not alone in this. In addition to each other, my husband and I have a lot of friends and family we know we can count on for advice, help, etc. Plus, you know, the whole God’s hand being in everything thing 😉

Yes, the last 9 months adjusting to being a new mom have been the hardest of my life. But I absolutely love where we are right now and am excited for what the future holds!