Sunday, October 9, 2011

The After Labor Aftermath

Ok, so most of my long-time readers have heard me talk about the “things they never warned us about before having kids” subject. So here we go again… Now I know that after giving birth our bodies go through a major adjustment period, especially for those of us that decided to breastfeed. Well, here I am several months out from giving birth and why do my feet feel like they belong to a 60 year old!?!

First off, let me back up for a minute. Most of you don’t know this, but my feet have been way too big for most of my life. Since my teen years I have sported a lovely size 10 shoe, yes, you heard me correctly, a size 10! So a few weeks ago I had been wondering why my shoes were fitting way more snug than normal and one of my friends suggested that my feet may have grown during my last pregnancy (which is actually pretty common). Of course that’s the last thing that someone who already wears a size 10 wants to hear. At first I thought to myself, “no way, can’t be…,” then after much contemplation I decided to go to the shoe store to get my feet measured and guess who is coming it at an “almost” 10 and a HALF!

As if that wasn’t’ enough I still have been left to wonder why my feet and ankles have been enduring so much pain lately. Well, I did a little research and realized that it may be a major calcium deficiency due to the fact that I am loosing lots of calcium while breastfeeding. Who knew? I mean it makes completely perfect sense, but nobody warned me that this could happen. I have since taken the necessary precautions to beef up my calcium intake.

It really is amazing just how much having a kid can change you. It could be mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually or all of the above. Although one thing is for sure, I wouldn’t trade in my bigger feet or aching ankles and feet for the gift of my little ones. God has given us children as a gift and reward. Psalm 127:3 reads, “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.” So let’s never take our gifts for granted. Here's to bigger shoes and lots of mommy love!

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (http://www.savedmom.com/), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to contactsavedmom@gmail.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M

Monday, October 3, 2011

Identity Crisis

I have been in deep contemplation about my future lately. It seems that since the first trimester of my last pregnancy up until recently I have been in mommy/wife mode overdrive. Meaning that, my primary life focus for the last year has been kids and home life. I had such a “consuming” pregnancy, to put it lightly, and of course the last few months have been primarily focused on the newest addition. Although, as of late all I can think about is getting back to the “grind” of making things happen for myself professionally. When I start having these thoughts I feel a bit guilty because my baby is still so young, but then I wonder if the timing is ever right.

It’s just that these days and weeks are so precious and I can never get them back. Also, I really don’t’ want to have someone else “raising” my kids and catching all their milestones before I do. I know that this is a dilemma that many mothers are faced with and I praise God for the blessing I had of being a work at home mom with my son and now a stay at home mom with my daughter. Although, being a stay at home mom does mean that we have to be a lot more conscious of our budget and we definitely have to forgo some of the extra’s in life. However, it is so worth it when I wake up every morning not having to worry about rushing off to work and leaving my baby with someone else for 8-10 hours.

I just don’t know how much longer things will remain this way and the yearning for growing myself professionally is pulling on me stronger and stronger with each passing day. I am currently in the process of weighing my options in a way that I can kind of have the best of both worlds, which would mean splitting my time between staying at home with the kids and working. I would have to tailor my work hours around being able to be a part-time stay at home mom.

I am seeking God on revelation as to how to make this work. It’s amazing how being a mother means constantly sacrificing in the best interest of your children. I would love to hear some of your stories as to how you made it work. Please feel free to comment at www.savedmom.com at the bottom of this post in the “comments” section.

Until our next appointed meeting time. Stay tuned for more words of encouragement and inspiration for M.O.M.’s near and far! Please share this blog with as many people as you know (www.savedmom.com), we have so many lives to touch. Feel free to post a comment and/or subscribe (if you are reading this from your inbox visit the site address referenced above to post a comment). If you would like to submit prayer requests send them to contactsavedmom@gmail.com. Thanks for your continued support!

Mommie Blessings,

Saved M.O.M