Adapting to parenthood was one of the hardest things for me to do.
Living just the two of us, as husband and wife, for over a decade became a worn-cozy glove that was hard to take off and replace with mama mittens. Yeah, I felt like I was wearing mittens much of those early days of motherhood because I couldn’t complete folding a basket of laundry without being interrupted—never mind complete any other projects.
Even having a bath had to be scheduled and planned so I wouldn’t end up breastfeeding with bath bubbles still clinging to me—never mind the fear of having to nurse a babe in the tub.
But the adaptation process for parenthood took less time than it took to adjust to marriage because I had a husband who wasn’t afraid to take over cooking or cleaning when needed; although, he refused to vacuum clean.* But a little dust never killed anyone—right?
God has a tender heart for mothers of babies. He cares for her heart while she carries her young close to hers, and He breathes love into her well so she can love well.
Here ends my entry for the Five Minute Friday prompt sponsored by the word: Adapt.
You can join the fun here: Five Minute Friday Link-Up
Do you feel stuck? Here’s a word of encouragement for you: Stuck Doesn’t Mean Stop
Now I’d like to add a few Christian quotes related to parenthood:
Children are not casual guests in our home.
They have been loaned to us temporarily for the purpose of loving them
and instilling a foundation of values
on which their future lives will be built.
~ James Dobson
There is not greater privilege in living
than bringing a tiny new human being into the world
and then trying to raise him or her properly during the next eighteen years.
Doing that job right requires all the intelligence, wisdom and determination
you will be able to muster from day to day.
~ James Dobson
Each day of our lives we make deposits
in the memory banks of our children.
~ Chuck Swindoll
Nothing can bring a real sense of security into the home
except true love.
~ Billy Graham
All your children will be taught by the LORD,
and great will be their peace.
Isaiah 54:13 NIV
*By the way, in completing this prompt I realized something that helped me forgive myself for something I’ve felt bad about for years. When I asked my husband for permission to mention his refusal to use our vacuum cleaner, I remembered he always fills my car up with gas because I hate going to gas stations (There’s a long story behind why; but I won’t go into it here.).
Grace is the grease that keeps families thriving in peace.
Adaptation is a blessing
God has given each of us
When we walk through life changes
Day by day with Him we trust.
~ wlm
What other grease is important to apply to relationships?
Nosy-to-know blessings ~ Wendy
Do you feel stuck? Here’s a word of encouragement for you: Stuck Doesn’t Mean Stop
~
Hi Wendy! I’m next to you on FMF #41 so I stopped by for a visit. Your is such a beautiful reminder of how God provided during the season of babies and young children! I love your photos and video of the duck family too. Precious little ones. Thank you for transporting me for the moment to another time, another place, Wendy.
So nice to meet you, dear Beth. I just peeked at your post for adapt and I love it. Sugar and I are joined at the hip in more ways that calories, so I admire your courage to slay the sugar dragon. Blessings.
Beautiful Wendy! Thank you for sharing this. Well said. These quotes are very encouraging to me as a mom of two little ones in the toddler stage. I think sometimes I can discredit the importance of my job as a stay at home mom, as though a promotion or bonus cheque would be more worth it. I know nothing could replace the joy I have when I am in the head space to cherish the moments, these come when I am filled with God’s peace.
Thank you, dear Whitney. I’m glad I encouraged you because I sure appreciated the honest words of other mothers who found parenting a blessing–but also challenging. It’s the best job I’ve ever signed up for. Mama moments are precious. Grammie ones are too. <3
Great post Wendy! Adaptation is the name of the game in parenthood for sure! Oh those early years of learning to be a momma! I’m learning to adapt to being a parent of adult children now. Might be the most difficult for me so far! Thank you for sharing your words and photos! Cindy #fmf FB page
Thank you, dear Cindy. Your words about being a parent of adults resonate with me. Blessings still abound and so does the stretching of our spirits. <3
Parenting little ones was physically demanding. Parenting adult children is mentally demanding. In both situations I have been tempted to run away as far as possible and hide. I think ‘adapting’ is the right word. It is an on-going process and challenge.
You’re spot-on in saying it’s an “on-going process and challenge.”
Thank you Wendy , for blessing us as you share the truth about it being an adaptation process! I am now adapting to being a grandma. :). Love and prayers for your day!
Congratulations, dear Debbie. Grand-parenting is dessert–isn’t it? <3 Enjoy!
Each day of our lives we make deposits
in the memory banks of our children.
~ Chuck Swindoll…
Wendy, I love this quote and wish we could blast it on the headlines of FOX New, MSNBC, and all the other news stations around the world…because some of the banks of memories we fill are shameful. Oh that as mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and friends we are diligent to make valuable deposits in the lives of our little ones as well as our grown children each day.
Wonderful blog! Took me back to that first morning in the hospital after the birth of my first child. I had decided to nurse him…and that was in the day nursing moms were battling for the privilege to do so. My room was at the end of the hallway, so he was the last baby to be delivered to his mama. I heard his screams from the moment the nurses and carts began their journey. By the time he reached my arms he was in such a state…I looked at the nurse and am sure my eyes shouted “What am I supposed to do now?”
Today that screaming little red headed boy (no freckles even though I asked God for them) is a fighter pilot and a wing commander in the Air Force. We never know what God intends for our children to become, and that’s probably a good thing…I would have developed gray hairs long before I did. Happy Mother’s Day!
Dear Diane, thank you for sharing this beautiful motherhood memory with us. What an encouragement to all of us to remember: “God intends (good) for our children.”
Mother’s Day Blessings. <3
Thank you for this. In my next few posts, I was going to discuss how difficult it has been to adjust to parenthood. At least I know I’m not alone.
Thank you for stopping by, dear Morgan. Yes, adjustments aren’t easy, even if the parent was longing for children like I was for years before I finally conceived my children. Nice to meet you. 🙂
Haha, all I could think as I read this was, “yes, mittens!” With oven mitts over them, some days. 🙂 My kiddo is an active 18 months old, so I appreciate the encouragement. I also love the verse, “He gently leads those with young.” (Isaiah 40:11)
Nice to meet you, Chloe. Yes, I love that verse. It speaks of God’s tender heart. <3 Blessings on your family.