Why wouldn't you be a mamma?

I usually just post about our cute family but recently I read an article about "Childless Marriages, By Choice". As I read/listened to couples talk about why they choose not to be parents I started thinking of all the parents who want to be parents but can't and myself as a new mommy. A lot of the people were talking about how they want to come home and focus on themselves or not have to be "put together" for their children. Or they don't get a long well with other peoples children and don't know how they could possible get along with their own children. Then I thought about the moment they placed Gracie in my arms for the very first time and the tears started. I can't describe the feeling of looking down at YOUR baby, they have you eyes, your husbands nose and you instantly know they are yours. They need you and it's the most rewarding feeling you can possibly feel. As I sat and read those people's reasons I couldn't help but think if you could just have the feeling of your child in your arms for the first time you would have 12! (or at least one) Then my mind started drifting to the things I've learned since being a new mommy and I got it down to the top ten most important:

1. You're the mom: No matter how many times some stranger tells you how to parent they will never be the parent of your child. You know your child's specific needs, follow your mommy gut.

2. Let your husband do some work, even if it isn't how you would do it: I found myself getting impatient with Chase because he would do things so slow and not the way I would do it. Then one day I woke up  to a squirt of poop and realized how exhausted I was. I was never more grateful for Chases willingness to change that diaper and have never been more grateful for every diaper he has changed after that.

3. Your Marriage should be your top priority still: this is a hard one. Your baby is going to suck the life out of you, literally. But when it comes down to it that marriage and spouse gave you that beautiful gift.

4. Be grateful: Heavenly Father gave you a beautiful gift that not everyone gets the opportunity to experience that love you are feeling towards your blessing(s) so just simply be grateful.

5. Learn to get ready in under 30 minutes (shower included): I had to cut my hair to something that looked cute if I didn't do it everyday because you WILL NOT have time to get ready every day. I promise.

6. Love your new mommy body: this is probably the hardest one. I had hoped I would walk out of the hospital a size zero again, safe to say that didn't happen. As much as I would like to have my body back exactly like it was before I wouldn't trade  being a mother for that.

7. Get Ready: (in under 30 minutes haha) maybe not like you did before but every day try to put some makeup on and at least comb your hair. You will feel better, more alive, and more like yourself after having a baby.

8. Bring two diapers: When you go to change your baby don't just bring the new diaper, bring an extra. I cannot tell you how many times we put the clean diaper under her and she poops/pees all over it. You don't want to leave that hanging out while you run to grab a diaper.

9.Spend time alone: Go walk around target or go for a run. As much of a blessing that it is to be a mother you need some "you" time so you don't go crazy. It's also a good chance for daddy to bond with the baby.

10. You will never do anything more worth while: The first time Gracie smiled at me, I melted. She is mine and I am hers.