Loving Being in the Middle

Today's Count as of 1:25 p.m.:

Explosive diapers changed: 2
Outfits worn by Will: 4
Feedings: 4
Times Will wanted to be fed: 1 million (approximately)
Baths for Will: 1
Showers for Mom: 1 (score one for me!)
Number of pacifiers missing: 2

Sometimes it's easy for me to get lost in the cycle of feed, bounce, sleep, change diaper, do laundry, rinse, repeat that seems to dominate my life these days. I love being a mom, but like many people, I sometimes find myself looking forward to the future. Looking forward to when Will can laugh, roll over, and mostly to when he can put his own pacifier back in his mouth.

This morning, though, I was reminded of the importance of enjoying today as I read Elder Uchdorf's message in the July Ensign. He talked about how we're always "in the middle" of life. Because of our eternal nature, we can't ever really begin or end.


"Being always in the middle means that the game is never over, hope is never lost, defeat is never final. For no matter where we are or what our circumstances, an eternity of beginnings and an eternity of endings stretch out before us."


Then, I found this on Pinterest:

I think someone is trying to send me a message. I'm taking the hint. I'm going to love today focus on the joy that exists in my life right now. Because, really, today is wonderful. Will slept through the night again, and I got a nap this morning. We have a washer and dryer in our apartment, and people gave us a lot of cute clothes, so Will is getting a chance to wear them frequently. And, if he does run out, he looks pretty cute in just a diaper. See...

Graham is wonderful and made dinner last night since Will got extremely vocal about his hunger right when I was starting to cook. He's also amazing at giving me a break in the evenings and making sure I'm taken care of. And he'll be home in four hours (not that I'm counting).  

And, last, I have this handsome, healthy little guy to hang out with all day.

Yep. I'm blessed, and I'm loving being in the middle of life.

My Master's Degree

I always wanted to get a master's degree in something. I seriously considered going back to school a few years ago to pursue an education related degree, but then I met Graham and got married instead. He was already a master, so I didn't want to try to show him up. :)

Recently, however, I started an intensive course of study in pursuit of a new degree. The program is awesome. It has lots of hands on learning rather than just textbook reading and lectures. Best of all, I can do it all from home in my pajamas if I want to (for now, at least. Eventually, there will be field work to do). The down side is that I will never get a diploma, and it will take a lot longer than the typical two years to complete. Still, I'm excited to pursue my master's in motherhood.

I've learned a lot in the last few weeks already. For example:

1) Babies are much smarter than most people (and parenting books) give them credit for. They are incredibly adaptable, despite that fact that many books will try to make you hyper-sensitive about all sorts of things. Can't you see the deep thoughts behind those dark eyes? I'm pretty sure he's plotting something.

2) Baby boys have incredible timing...and aim. Keep extra diapers on hand at all times. And wipes. And spare clothes...for everyone involved.

3) No matter how small your apartment, there is always room for a swing, bouncy seat, and a rocking chair. They're worth the sacrifice of floor space.

4) During the first week, it's normal to wonder what you got yourself into and question if you were really ready for a child after all. Don't worry; soon you start to realize life is going to be okay after all.


5) Having a washer and dryer in the apartment is a life-saver!

6) Don't be afraid to get out and enjoy life. Newborns will sleep anywhere.

I'm learning new things every day, and relearning how to do a lot of things (like folding laundry and getting myself ready for the day among others) with a baby in tow. When we left the hospital, I wondered how it is that they just let us take this little human being home. Who decided that we're qualified to be parents?

Well, we don't have any official qualifications, but we're doing our best to keep Will happy, fed, dry, and altogether alive. So far, we've at least succeeded in keeping him alive. I guess I've got the rest of my life to learn the rest of the course material.

Wish me luck!