The day Clayton was born I was 8 days away from turning 21...and yes- even my husband has a birthday in July! Needless to say, I was the first one in my circles of friends to be married & have a baby. I was so nervous & anxious my whole pregnancy about if I'd be able to be a good mom.
I remember being pregnant and although I was excited I was sure I'd still need a "real job" & so I went on maternity leave rather than quitting out right. We didn't need the money, but I thought I'd need the time away.
But the week before I was supposed to return to work- I knew I couldn't. Even a few days a week was too much away from my new favorite person. I'm pretty sure my boss saw it coming, though. And so here I am 19 months later- still infatuated with a little boy whole stole my heart.
I get asked by my friends how I like being a Stay-At-Home-Mom, and I tell them I love it. Somedays are harder than others, but I believe there is nothing more precious than being able to raise our little ones. I am so grateful that my husband is blessed with a great job that allows me to not have to work. And I wish every mom could do the same. He teaches me to be patient, to find joy in the little things, to slow down, to explore, to laugh and to not be so serious.
So am I a good mom? I like to think so. Am I a perfect mom? Far from it, but everyday I try my best to love & care for Clayton as our Heavenly Father would.
I didn't know I'd love being a full-time mom as much as I do or as young as I am. But I do. And it's just as simple as that.
photography by Wendy Larson of Stem & Leaf
Loved this. :)
ReplyDeleteLove this message! So great, thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteI am gonna print this out and put up next to my computer. Thanks! Following you. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are kind of my role model. My husband & I married back in November, two weeks after I turned 21. We decided to wait to have a family until I can stay at home with the little ones, because I know that is my calling. I am so excited, and so nervous.
ReplyDeleteI love this! Thanks for sharing! One thing to note is that Elder Anderson was quoting someone else when he shared this. Rachel Jankovic is the woman he was quoting.
ReplyDeleteHi there, I love this post, but I thought you might like to know that the quote is from Rachel Jankovic's book "Loving the Little Years". Great book, btw - you'd probably like it! Blessings, Bethany B.
ReplyDeleteKatie, thank you for sharing your story! Upon reading it I have to recommend Good Mommy to you. I think it will resonate powerfully. It's a letter written from a mother to her daughter as she becomes a mother herself. It explores how to raise conscious cool human beings from a deep, innate and universal wisdom. goodmommy.me. You can also visit facebook.com/goodmommy2013 to share your incredible and eloquent insights with a growing, global community of mothers and daughter that are committed to raising self-aware, problem-solving, generous, loving human beings.
ReplyDeleteGreat quote, but not just for young moms. I'm a mom of 3, ages 19, 17, and 15. They were all babies and young toddlers at one time, but you never stop taking care of them or worrying. I continue to be proud of their achievements and pick them up when they fall. You never stop being a mom.
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