I love you too Max.
I am home from church today. A bit of an anti-climatic appearance at last week's service considering I am not there this week. My whole family sans brother Travis was in town and we thought it best to bless him even though he wasn't quite two weeks old.
I bore my testimony on Blessing Sunday and spoke of the miracle that is childbirth. Nothing in the world has solidified my testimony in a living God more than the birth of my two sons. Seeing your child for the first time and holding them in your arms is a miracle. I see God in their eyes. I still do. It almost makes me feel unworthy to be their mother. They are so precious and innocent and unspotted by the world. I couldn't even imagine how Mary must have felt. I recently heard of a custom (I actually forget what culture - I know...I should remember these things) that believes that babies shouldn't touch the ground or basically shouldn't leave their mother's arms for 6 months after birth. Babies are thought to be straight from heaven and too holy. What a beautiful thought.
As I sat in sacrament meeting last Sunday I couldn't help but think of what my future entailed after my family (help) left and my husband went back to work. How can I do this alone? How did my mother do it? How did ANY mothers do it? And keep their sanity and show love to their children and husband and others? And stay healthy and happy? And lose that baby weight???
The week was hard my friends. And long. Especially Wednesday and Thursday when David is teaching piano lessons right after school and doesn't get home until 8. Oh dear. Wow. I almost broke down on Thursday. Max wouldn't go down for a nap and therefore was a crazy man and have I mentioned that this baby wants to nurse ALL DAY LONG?????
What I kept telling myself all week was a line from our closing hymn on Sunday:
I believe in Christ - so come what may.
So come what may. I know that the Lord will help me. I have to rely on him more than I have had to in the past and this will be a trial in humility and patience and dependence upon the Lord.
I know that He will support me and carry me. I was right. I CANNOT do this alone. My mother didn't do it alone either. At least I know the secret now.

15 comments:
What a beautiful post. I'm sitting here with tears filling up my sleep-deprived eyes. In between the constant feedings, crying and other frustrations sometimes it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Thank you for reminding me what a miracle from heaven these little ones are.
We should talk Tiffany. Soon. I feel the same way--about the blessing (you put it very beautifully--as always!). And about how I am going to do it. It's way harder than I expected. Things are crazy with two, but you are right about who is going to help me through this. Thanks for this. Great.
Awww... I remember when Isaiah was born there were so many emotions... It really is an amazing thing to have a baby. Hang in there- I know you will, because the first few months are the hardest. It's always a hard thing when the hubby has to go back to work, but you can do it, and yes, not by yourself- with God and family and friends. Your RS sisters are always there too- that's what I learned in NY.
Looks like Halloween was a BLAST! So fun!
I need to talk to you- I have some big news. CALL ME when you have just five minutes or so- I can even tell you in two if that's all you have. ;)
You're awesome Tiff- love you!
That was a very sweet post Tiffany. You are a great Mom and your kids are very lucky. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and hang in there!
thanks for this post! seriously, how am i worthy enough of my role as the mother of two innocent little children who need so much guidance? am i really cut out to give it to them? probably not, but with the lord's help i must be able to do it somehow.
it really will get better and easier before you know it. i remember the first couple of weeks at home by myself...there were good days and bad days and slowly the bad days don't happen quite as often. the only thing that got me through was letting everyone who offered to help me in anyway at all to do so. let people watc max...he'll be fine and don't feel bad about accepting dinners, etc., for as long as people are there to let you. i really wish i was there to do just that. hang in there and feel free to call/email me whenever. i'm right there with you only slightly ahead by a few weeks.
you're amazing! don't forget that!
Seriously, I don't know how you mother's do it. Keep your head up and best of luck with you!! I will keep you in my prayers.
XOXO
(Perhaps if you wear all yellow it may help...) or not...just checking. :)
I have heard that same custom about treating babies in such a holy manner- they really are at an innocent state. I agree there is nothing like solidifying your beliefs in God as when you give birth to a baby. It does get better I promise maybe not for 5 more months but I'm sure you will find a new normal. I have one thing to say about baby weight- Weight Watchers. I've done it after each of my girls and have been able to get my weight down again. Good Luck- You are a wonderful person and Mom!
I hope that it is not my fault that Max wouldn't nap last week. I am SO sorry. You may never want to take me up on this again, but I am more than willing to watch him anytime. The kids have so much fun playing with him!
PLEASE CALL ME FOR ANYTHING!!!
Oh Tiffany, I SO understand. There was nothing easy about those first 2 months--well, except for the baby, he was the best. Those precious souls sent to us? Is HF sure? Scary and completely fulfilling at the same time. Take heart that everyday gets a little better and easier. Four months seems to be the point were most things felt better and El Guille had calmed down.
Love you!
i'm loving the yellow idea. but I'd add throwing a flower in your hair.
seriously, I love you. I love your honesty.
Thanks Tiff. I am working on having that perspective every day! My life would be a lot easier if I would...I would be a lot more calm. As easy as it sounds, it truly is a secret to be discovered.
Wow. thank you everyone. It is so great that we can have a bit of a support group here. Some who have been through it, some who are going through it, so who will go through it.
Jess - TOTALLY not your fault. I love my visiting teacher!!!!(MAx went and played at her house Thursday morning). I was actually really surprised because I thought it would wear him out more and he would be more tired. He just hasn't been napping well since the baby was born and since my family was here. too many distractions. Yesterday, that crazy man took an unheard of three and a half hour nap. I think he was trying to catch up, bless his little soul.
Kamilah, I only need one large yellow bow here, you know? then I will look so hot. Inside joke folks. Avonlea can I get a what what?
Azucar, I am glad you are here for us. I look forward to four months. But I will enjoy? this time now too.
Tiffany, this is Rebecca McConkie. You don't likely remember me, but I think you were friends with my siblings? Maybe? The point is that I stalk your blog all the time and never comment even though I want to because really. But this post is one of my favorite things I have ever heard a new mom say. I'm having my first in two months and such a good perspective to hear.
Love this post. love your perspective as always. love you and your little ones.
Post a Comment