Truly ready for motherhood?

“Making the decision to have a child – it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” ~Elizabeth Stone

When I was pregnant, people constantly asked me if I was ready for a baby. Of course I was. But was I truly ready? Probably not. For a first time mom, I don’t think you can truly envision what being a parent is like. Sure, I have 3 nephews and a niece, but having your own isn’t quite the same, is it?

All throughout my pregnancy, everyone told me the same thing. Enjoy your sleep now. Enjoy your time alone with your husband. Enjoy going to the movies. Enjoy eating out. At times I wished they would stop telling me that. I got it, I understood. What they don’t know or perhaps didn’t realize is that I have enjoyed all of those things, having been married for 7 years with no kids. I know they meant well and they were trying to paint reality for me. But it was time for a change, one that I looked forward too.

Yes, I miss my sleep. I miss being able to go out anywhere – store, movies, restaurant, or for a simple walk – without taking an extra hour trying to get the baby ready. But those are all sacrifices I was already willing to make when we decided to have a baby. I enjoyed alone time with hubby. I enjoyed going to the movies on a whim. I enjoyed eating out without planning ahead. But you know what? I enjoy having Averie in my life more than any of those combined, even if it means I’ll never get another full 8 hours of sleep (and believe me, I love my sleep).

I think mentally what made it easier is the fact that we waited until we felt truly ready for our world to be turned upside down. We’ve always known how crazy life would be with a child. So was I truly ready for motherhood?

Today, Averie is 5 weeks old and already, being a mom is the most challenging task I’ve ever had to face, but also the most rewarding. And I look forward to life everyday. Finally, my life has a real purpose. I think that’s what being ready for motherhood means: making sacrifices, having a sense of purpose and giving Averie unconditional love.