In the days leading up to Rowan's birth, so many people I told me to "enjoy every moment". At the time I really couldn't comprehend what they meant. A year seemed like a long time to be on maternity leave from a job and coworkers that I am crazy about. On an intellectual level, I knew that babies grow and develop - it's just another part of the lifecycle. Since giving birth and becoming a mama, I feel that I am beginning to understand. I have never seen my own sweet baby grow. I have never seen my own sweet baby develop.
Don't get me wrong, it's not all sunshine and roses. There are days that my cup runneth over....both literally and figuretively...I am breastfeeding people! Seriously, I feel like my to-do lists are long. There is the never ending laundry and general hands-on caring for, amidst my tired state. It's a big shock to the system to have a baby when you've never looked after one. In fact, I been putting myself first for many years....and surprise, I have become somewhat of an expert at it. Although I have happily shifted my focus, sometimes I want to have a twenty minute shower, eat a meal with two hands and scrapbook on my own terms.
But then, my dear sweet Rowan-girl, will smile bigger, coo louder or outgrow her newborn undershirts and my heart breaks. As she races to every milestone, I am reminded this time is short. Life is fragile, finite and unfortunately, fast-paced. I am reminded to live in the moment. I am reminded to breathe. I am reminded that laundry can definitely wait if it means I can savour a snuggle with my girl. I think Kelly Rae wrote a beautiful and articulate post describing this phenomenon.
So, dear blog readers, what is my one little word for 2012?
Enjoy.
Enjoy the tears.
Enjoy the laughs.
Enjoy the journey.
So over the course of this year, I will attempt to appreciate, relish and soak up all the moments, both good and bad, with my little Rowan-girl.
What about you? What is your OLW?
Happy Wednesday!
