One Brave Mama

Baby Number Two, Where are you….

EmilyHayden — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 02:01:47 +0000

If I had to count the number of pregnancy tests I’ve taken in the last year, you would be shocked.

Getting pregnant with Myla came with such ease and unplanned, very happy and exciting, but nonetheless unplanned. That’s how it seems to be, right? You go so long desperately hoping for something and the moment you sit back and say, “I’m giving it to you, God. I am taking a step back to focus on myself, my marriage, and my life.” Then, BAM!! The ever so unexpected BLESSING comes when it seems the least likely to occur. It’s kind of a funny story actually. When we talk to friends and family about whether Myla was planned or not, everyone assumes that she was. David and I knew we wanted a big family and to start right away. And then we got married. A little over a month into our blissful newlywed stage, we took a family trip to Colorado. It was actually on our way to Owensboro to meet up with my parents to carpool the long drive to the mountains that we had a long conversation about when we wanted to start having babies. We came to the conclusion that we would wait a year or two before we started trying. We knew we needed to focus on our very new marriage and settle into our roles as husband and wife. We were still very young and in school. Well, God had different plans. It was on that very trip that we conceived little Miss Myla. It was very much a surprise but an oh so happy one at that. Those first few days of no one knowing but us were so precious. Myla has been such a blessing in our lives and I would never want it to be another way.

But, I long for the day that I can make her the big, amazing sister she so much deserves. Despite all the rough patches in my pregnancy, I LOVED IT! Everyone said I would get to the point I was ready to get her out of me and hold that baby. While I was eager to hold her, I never desperately yearned for my pregnancy to be over. Pregnancy AMAZED me. I was so fascinated at what my body could create and after months of hard work, I got a beautiful baby girl in my arms. From the moment she was born, I knew I was ready to be pregnant again! Yes, I know, I am crazy.

Myla was born in 2019, which means she turned a year old during the great quarantine of 2020! You know what that also meant?? A LOT OF QUARANTINE BABIES!!! Left and right my social media was filling with pregnancy announcements and nearly every girl that had been pregnant at the same time as me, or even after, either just had a baby or is now expecting. While I am ecstatic for those that are expecting a new bundle of joy, my heart can’t help but sink a little more each time, thinking, “that should be me too.” I feel so extremely guilty for these thoughts. I know so many women who have struggled with infertility, miscarriages, and stillbirths that are patiently awaiting their Rainbow Baby. So yes, I feel guilty because I know there are others who struggle far more than I. We pushed so hard to have the popular “two under two” and as Myla is quickly approaching her 2nd birthday, I become more saddened and burdened that I haven’t conceived. No, these are not struggles I have talked to my midwife about or sought out care, and at this time we are not ready for that step. Maybe that’s fear thinking there could be something wrong. But, I also remind myself that my body went through A LOT of work with growing a healthy, happy baby for 9 months and the toll that labor and breastfeeding for 16 months took on my body. My body is still healing and regulating. And that is OKAY!

I can’t help but feel sad that I have not yet conceived. Hearing the “you need to give Myla a sibling!” “You haven’t gotten pregnant yet?” “When do you all plan on having another baby?” “Will it be soon?” and seeing the faces drop of those that are expecting me to be pregnant when they see me take a sip of alcohol saddens me. Because just like you all, I yearn for it too! I don’t mean to nonchalantly say “that would be exciting!” or “Another kid, already??” As much as I want to be open with you, this emotional roller coaster has not been easy for me and sometimes it is just easier to hide the pain and sadness behind a mask. No, I am not trying to make you all feel guilty, please don’t. That is not my intention with this post. How could you ever know my internal struggles if I haven’t told you?? So please, don’t apologize or feel bad. This is not an easy thing for me to admit. You didn’t see the nights I cried or got angry. If it weren’t for my loving and supportive husband, I don’t know how I would have handled this if he wasn’t taking care of me. At this time in my life, being back in school and amongst other things, a baby would definitely make things a lot harder. But do babies ever come when planned? I feel as though God is up there smiling and laughing saying, “Oh Emily, haven’t you learned to trust me yet? You don’t know the blessings that will be coming your way!” We have tried, and the Good Lord knows we have! But for now, I must trust in Him because that is not his plan for us right now. We will continue focusing on our marriage, sweet little girl, and getting me through school! And one day, I know I will see another two pink lines. But until then, I am going to *try* to let go and let God. Also, a special thank you to my hubby who has been there to wipe my tears away and hold me on the bad nights.

P.S. Mamas struggling with ttc, loss, infertility, I am offering you up in my prayers.

All my love,

xo, Em

2020, thank you….

EmilyHayden — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 19:38:17 +0000

2020, Thank you for all that you have taught me….

Wow, it’s been a long time since I have sat down to write a blog post. Over a year actually, but today, I was feeling inspired.

2020 did not come without its struggles, as most years tend to have, but 2020 seemed to have a few more and some pretty unusual ones at that.

To say we all struggled is an understatement. Amidst a global pandemic, political, and civil unrest we all fought our way through 2020 anxiously awaiting for its end. As we rang in the New Year, everyone was saying “GOOD RIDDANCE!!” to 2020. And while I would like to say the same, I can’t help but look back and ponder on all the blessings that horrid year brought.

Despite emotional, financial, and spiritual struggles, 2020 brought us many blessings in disguise. A global pandemic, COVID-19, broke out, practically putting society at a standstill. While we all rushed into madness to the stores to empty shelves of toilet paper, canned goods, meat, the freezer section, and just about anything you think you MIGHT possibly need for the next several months, TAKE IT ALL! This left many families who did not have the luxury to stock up on necessities empty handed. My family was one of those, and while I wanted to be angry at all those who selfishly took everything from people like us, we were BLESSED with angels who provided us food to stock the freezer, that got us well through quarantine. It stopped to remind me that there are good people in this world, willing to help their neighbors that are in need, we even had someone drive two hours to deliver meat to us!! I only hope that one day I am able to bless a family in a way that they blessed ours.

Then the next dilemma, mass shut downs!! “OH NO!!” we said. What ever will we do without restaurants and movie theaters and schools and daycares, etc?! Church services, funerals, weddings, mass gatherings were all put on hold! But alas, we made it, and are continuing to make it through that madness. We were told to stay home, stay safe! So that we did. We went months without seeing friends ad family, thank you FaceTime, Zoom, Google Duo, etc for allowing us the luxury to at least be able to see the faces of our loved ones. We felt out of touch with reality, not knowing when we might see each other again, or be able to resume our normal, day to day lives. Yet again, there was a BLESSING in disguise! It taught us to slow down, to cherish the moments we do have with each other because we are never promised tomorrow. With daycares being shut down for nearly 3.5 months, it BLESSED me with the opportunity to stay home with Myla and watch her take her first steps, celebrate her first birthday (thank you Zoom!), watch her personality grow into a curious, strong-headed, beautiful girl! Yes, you’re right, this came with its own set of struggles, financially and emotionally. We had to learn how to keep a WILD toddler with so much pent up energy entertained in the house all day. That was just another challenge we had to get through, but we made it! This time period hit when Myla was around 11-15 months old, which came with soooo many beautiful milestones. This time for many was spent playing board games, puzzles, movies, Netflix binging, and playing in the backyards like the “good ‘ol days!”. Let’s not forget about TIKTOK!!! So many tiktoks!!

Then came a time where we were safely allowed to visit family. The feeling of being able to see and hug someone outside your household was nothing short of amazing. To keep groups small, this kept us inside, able to spend QUALITY time with our loved ones. There was less watching TV or sitting on phones and more of cherishing the moments before us. With daycares being closed and David’s work schedule, it again BLESSED us with the opportunity to see family often. Moments I will hold dearly to my heart forever. During this time we said goodbye to my child-hood home, welcomed my sister and her family ack to Louisville, spent many days swimming in my in-laws pool, good, home-made meals, and precious moments with my dad’s parents, Mamaw and Papaw. I was able to see Myla develop loving relationships with all these people. The memories of these laughs and the smiles brings tears to my eyes. I was devastated when we had to postpone and then again cancel Myla’s *belated* FIRST birthday party, but it was yet just another obstacle we had to overcome. These times allowed us to spend quality moments with my sick, dying grandfather. I dwelled on what the future held, not wanting it to happen so soon, but in those moments I watched Myla’s love for him bloom. The week before he passed we visited him one last time. We mostly sat around the house and served him hand and foot whatever he wanted! His requests were watermelon and my mama’s homemade apple pie. YUM! Every morning as soon as he would hear Myla awake he would say, “Well mother, I’m ready to get up!” (He always called my mamaw, his wife, mother when he wanted something.) It was mornings sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee, watching him and Myla share their own special language and love. Myla was mostly only speaking gibberish at the time and the only two words she said consistently were mama and dada, but that week she said “Papaw!” clear as day. I know that just melted his heart and made him feel so special and proud. The next week we spent time at Lake Barkley with my in-laws. It was a lovely trip with its own cherished memories but one very bitter-sweet one. That’s where we were when I got the much dreaded call that it was time. I dreaded calling to talk to him all day long. But right as we went to sit down for dinner I sucked up my pride and FaceTimed my mom so we could talk to Papaw. I said my goodbyes and told Myla to talk to him. When they told him Myla was there saying hi, a tear streamed down his face. He had spent most of that day unresponsive but you could see he wanted to talk back. Myla blew kisses to her beloved Papaw and as we hung up, with tears in his eyes he took his last breath. As bittersweet as that memory is, I am thankful for that last moment. Papaw was so in love with everything his grand and great-grandchildren did. As heartbroken as I was, and still am, that I lost him, I am so thankful that 2020 allotted us the moments to spend with him.

We cherished our moments during our little vacation to Lake Barkley. It was really the first time most of us had spent time away from home. We spent the days eating, drinking, playing games, swimming, boating, kayaking, etc. The sunsets were so beautiful!

2020 also came with some BIG life decisions. I went back to work in July and decided I was going to quit and go back to school. Something that had long been on my heart prospered into reality, and I don’t think it would have been possible without 2020. It allowed me to spend time thinking and praying on what my next steps in life were. There were ALOT of struggles and obstacles I faced on getting back into school, but with God’s hands guiding me, I was once again BLESSED! I have pursued an education in Nursing at JCTC for my ADN. *Please continue your prayers and support for me*

We all lost a lot in 2020. I lost my beloved grandfather and unexpectedly, a dear friend of mine. Not to mention the financial and emotional struggles everyone faced, but 2020 also brought us blessings beyond imagination. We received exciting news this year that my brother and sister-in-law are expecting their 8th child!! AND my brother-in-law and sister-in-law are expecting their FIRST baby, it’s a girl!! We are so excited to had two more babies to our abundance of nieces and nephews!!

While Christmas and the New Year was spent quaintly, we enjoyed each moment without the normal “hustle and bustle” that the holiday season brings. 2021 seems to already come with its own set of obstacles and trials but 2020 made me strong enough to keep a positive outlook. When I choose to look back on the “horrid” 2020, I CHOOSE to see my blessings. What will you choose? What good things happened to you? Did you learn to love a little more? Did you learn to slow down a little from this crazy life?

So here is to 2020, thank you for all you taught me.

xo,

**P.S. the pictures used were of the sunset minutes after my Papaw gained his heavenly wings. A reminder that I have another guardian angel watching over my precious family.

To the stressed out mama….

EmilyHayden — Thu, 29 Aug 2019 19:21:22 +0000

Anybody else been stressed out to the max lately?! Recently there has been so much thrown on me that I forget to stop and take a breath. I get so overwhelmed and begin to shutdown. Mamas, we can not let ourselves get down! We have so much to be thankful for! We are doing our best!

Most times, instead of focusing on one task at a time, I try to multitask and do everything at once, which ends up being counter productive. I let all these thoughts rush in my head and begin thinking worst case scenario. This spirals to shutting down and mental breakdowns where I run to the bathroom to hide and cry. Sound familiar?

Next time you find yourself in this position consider the following:

What is your “why”?—–Why are you doing these things? What keeps you motivated? What inspires you?
Set a list of priorities—–Each day pick three priorities to focus on for that day, if you accomplish these, think of adding another on, or take a break.
Take a break!—–You have earned it, you deserve to take a break and breathe. Have someone take over for a bit so you can sneak away from mom duties for a minute and soak in a nice hot bath with a glass of wine.
Reward yourself—–Did you finish your lists of tasks? You deserve to be rewarded. Treat yo self! Buy that new top, bottle of wine, go see that movie or whatever it is that you have been wanting!

Mamas, we are strong and can handle anything! But it doesn’t mean we don’t deserve a break every now and then. Relax Breathe. You’ve got this!

From: One Stressed Mama

To: Another Stressed Mama

To my Loving Aunt Chris….

EmilyHayden — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 14:00:20 +0000

April 20th, 2019 was full of happiness and joy with the arrival of David and my first daughter. We had a hectic first few days and weren’t released until April 24th. Little did I know that I would get a phone call the next day with the worst news I have received. It was our first full day at home with our brand new, baby girl and we were over the moon to finally have her home. Then that evening of April 25th, I received a phone call that my Aunt Chris was in the hospital and wasn’t going to make it. I had to say goodbye to her with words that didn’t want to come out, words that I didn’t believe, through the sound of tears.

That was a tough weekend, bittersweet time spent with family. But, the following weeks were so busy that I was left with no time to properly grieve. Almost 4 months later and things are finally calming down and we are starting to get in a routine with our new life as parents and until recently, my grief is suddenly hitting harder than it has in the past few months. It’s the littlest things that bring on the sad thoughts and tears. The thought that she never got to meet Myla in person breaks my heart. I miss hearing the words “That’s awesome, Emy! I’m so proud of you!” It didn’t matter what I did, she was always proud of my smallest accomplishments. It’s antique stores and shopping for hours. It’s a 44oz Polar Pop. It’s her ever famous broccoli cheddar casserole. It’s fireworks that remind me of the trip we made to St. Louis for the Fourth of July. It’s Nickleback, Michael Jackson, John Denver, and Queen songs that pop up on my radio. Songs that take me back to days we would drive country roads singing with the radio on full blast. Aunt Chris loved music and singing and although I’m not much of a singer, I love music and singing too. Tonight I came across a dress that my mom bought me for a birthday party but I threw a fit over, a memory I had long forgotten. With that memory came remembering Aunt Chris helping my mom do all my friends hair and makeup. David said “I’ve never heard that story before.” But it’s just the little things that bring out the memories.

So, to those of you grieving a lost loved one, I know it’s sad. I know it’s hard. But choosing to remember the good times and not dwelling on the sadness will help! When you get sad about your loved one no longer being here on earth with you, know they are looking down, watching with joy. Choose to remember the good times. Write your feelings down! Share their story! Keep their legacy alive for future generations. Laugh. Cry.

Remember.

This post is dedicated to the antique loving, impression and accent making, funniest person, and the most beautiful guardian angel. I love and miss you always, Aunt Chris

To the breastfeeding, working mama….

EmilyHayden — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 23:40:35 +0000

I recently started back to work which means I get to experience the JOY of pumping! I say joy lightly. I hate my breast pump. It makes me feel defeated and useless. I’ve tried everything to increase my supply with my pump from emergency lactation cookies/brownies, power pumping, etc. I miss the days when I wasn’t at work and I could spend all day nursing Myla, I was lucky enough to have three months off to spend with her, which was mostly spent nursing. Returning to work has been a challenge, especially with having to pump. I can’t seem to keep up with the demands of my daughter. She drinks 3, 6oz bottles a day at daycare and only one of those is breastmilk and I’m having to supplement the other two with formula. It sucks! As a parent, all you want to do is be able to provide for your child and when you feel like your failing, it’s the worst feeling ever. I’m lucky I am able to breastfeed because it’s always been a goal of mine, but pumping is not fun for me! What matters the most is that I am trying my best. So remember, when you feel like you’re failing, know that you are doing the best for your child and all you can do is try. So to the mamas who have to pump, be brave! If you have to supplement, aren’t able to nurse, or choose not to nurse, remember, fed is best! Happy World Breast Feeding week, mamas!

Late night, early morning feedings with my baby

To my postpartum body….

EmilyHayden — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 22:27:40 +0000

Pregnancy is something a lot of women talk about so when it comes to preparing and dealing with all things pregnancy I felt so prepared! One thing I was not prepared for was postpartum! I knew nothing about it, I was lost and clueless, left feeling helpless. For me, the “4th trimester” was by far the hardest one to deal with. It is something that should definitely be talked about more amongst women. Not only do you have a chance of developing postpartum depression due to the abrupt change in hormones and caring for a newborn, you also have to learn to accept the beauty of your body. I had no clue what went into dealing with my postpartum body, the pain, the bleeding, the cramping, and the hormones. Y’all, I was CLUELESS!!! I am still struggling, 13 weeks postpartum, accepting my new body. It is a body I no longer recognize. I look in the mirror and wonder who it is I am looking it. There’s stretch marks in places I didn’t know were possible and I have new bumps and curves. Don’t get me started on postpartum clothes shopping! Talk about discouraging, especially since my postpartum period falls in the summer during swimsuit season. The picture to this post is so important to me. When I first looked at it all I saw were flaws. I could have sat there for hours picking out everything I didn’t like about myself but instead I chose to see it as a beautiful picture of my daughter and I. Not only does my body not look the same, it also doesn’t feel the same. My back and my hips don’t feel like they used to. Short trips to the store can leave me in a lot of pain from walking around. The exhaustion of a baby who doesn’t sleep and in general the physical exhaustion from having a baby feels unbearable. So remember, your body had 9 months to prepare itself for birth and the change in hormones and building a tiny human. But all that drastically changes in a few short hours and it comes as a shock to your body. So when you are struggling to accept your postpartum body and healing remember these things:

Your body is strong!
You created a human!
Your body has been through amazing things the past several months, accept it, because it created the most precious gift!
It takes time to heal. It won’t happen over night so give your body time. It may take a few months or longer to fit back in those pre-pregnancy jeans.
Your body may never be the same but it’s built to care for your child and you’re stronger than you know.
We are all BEAUTIFUL!
Even those that seem to bounce right back still have their own struggles they are dealing with.
You’re never alone! If you feel that way, reach out to me for advice, friendship, or someone to talk with.
Breastfeeding is hard! If you’re struggling, just remember, any amount of breastmilk is good for baby! To learn more about my breastfeeding struggles click the link below! https://onebravemama.com//index.php/2019/05/23/to-the-mom-struggling-to-breastfeed/

To the ones in different phases of life….

EmilyHayden — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 01:36:48 +0000

I am 22, 4 years out of high school, and at the age that my HS classmates are in all different phases of life. Some are single, some are traveling the world, some are creating thriving careers, some are in serious relationships, some are married, and some have a kid, even 2 or 3 or 4. And that is OKAY! My close friend group is full of people in these different phases. David and I are the mom and dad of the group, we have single friends, ones in relationships, and ones that are engaged. Becoming an adult is realizing that it is okay for people to be in these different phases and if they are happy, you should be happy for them. Some of us seem to have it all figured out while some of us have no clue what is going on and where we wanna go in life. Some of my graduating class recently graduated college, others have dropped out, or still undecided, or they know but are taking it slow. Social media, especially Instagram is full of jealous worthy adventures. But, it does not show what is happening behind the scenes. In one of Bella Robertson’s recent posts she captioned her photo, “…dont let insta fool you, its just the highlights.” Adventuring the world seems like an amazing journey and I hope one day my family is fortunate enough to have these experiences. But, right now, we are more than happy with who we are as a family. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for being in a different phase of life. It is your life, and you should live it that way you want to. Your dreams will come true in the time and place that is right for you. Five years ago i would NEVER have guessed I would be where I am today, but I am thankful for all my blessings and my sweet little family. So, if we know each other, or even if we don’t, if you are in a different phase of life than us know that it is okay and I am cheering you on behind the scenes, as I hope you are for us.

To the mama who chooses to comfort nurse….

EmilyHayden — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 01:41:24 +0000

To the mama who chooses to comfort nurse, don’t let anyone make you feel bad for it. As new, breastfeeding moms you hear, “Don’t let your baby use you as a pacifier.” Or “Don’t comfort nurse!” Newborns LOVE the smell of their mama. They want to be held close, tight, and loved on. After all, they have been held in a tight little pocket of their mother’s womb for nine months and are then suddenly ripped from it into a cold, foreign world. They are scared, worried, and feel alone. The one who makes that all better is their mama. So let your baby use you as a pacifier, comfort nurse them, I promise they won’t be doing it until they are eighteen, but they do need time to adjust to this whole new world.

For those of you that know my daughter, know she is fussy, picky, needy, and has to be held a certain way, etc. But there is one time when all the world is okay, and that is when she is nursing. It has not been the easiest thing to comfort nurse my daughter but, I know that it is worth it and is part of her adjusting to this life. It has kept me from being able to get up and do a lot, especially in the early weeks of postpartum recovery. It can be frustrating at times when it feels like she wants to nurse all day. But just like us, babies have their off days too. Comfort nursing has created a bond like no other between us. When no one can get her to calm down, even her Daddy, and she LOVES her daddy, I know I always have a way to calm and comfort her. Knowing I have that ability gives me comfort. I know that choosing to comfort nurse is what works for my daughter, my husband, and I. I know that this is just a short phase in life and one day I will miss it. The picture to this post melts my heart and proves just how close babies are to their mamas. Myla does not like being laid down in her crib. Many nights the only way I can get her to sleep is by giving her my shirt to smell until she falls asleep. She hugs it tight and brings it to her mouth to suck on. I was amazed when I first tried this trick and it proved to me even more the importance of the bond between a mother and her child.

Being a mother is knowing what is best for your child(ren). Comfort nursing may not be for everyone, and that is OKAY! You don’t have to and you shouldn’t feel bad if you don’t. But, you shouldn’t feel bad if you do, either. Do what works for you and your family. Make a happy home and listen to your motherly instincts. Because as we all know, Mother knows best!

To the one who may be missing out….

EmilyHayden — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:26:56 +0000

I recently heard the wise words of a child, “You’re missing out!” This was their response to an adult being on their phone and let me just say it hit home hard. Too many times we get caught up in the world around us that we forget to live in the present. We miss out on so much in these moments, whether it be us watching TV or playing on our phones watching the lives of others. Most of us have been guilty of spending too much time focused on things other than our families. It’s true when they say family is the most important thing and life is short. It feels like just yesterday I became an aunt to a sweet baby boy who is now ten years old and I have a child of my own. How can this be???? I’m as guilty as the next person when it comes to getting caught up in the past, future, and the world around us. But let me just say the first 7 weeks of my little girl’s life has flown by! I’ve come to cherish the crazy moments just as much as the quiet ones, for I know it won’t last long. In the recent weeks I have noticed myself become more aware of what’s present in front of me rather than the people and world around me. It makes life so much more meaningful and sweeter. Life isn’t about living up to the everyone else’s expectations but loving and cherishing the people in our lives. I challenge you to the following things:

Spend less time on your phone. Stop living behind a screen all the time. Get out and enjoy the world.
Go outside more. Just spending one day, even just a few hours, outside without your phone is so refreshing! Yes, there are times when you are tempted to check it or snap a picture and that’s fine, but make sure you spend less time on your phone and more time enjoying the scenery around you.
Watch your babies sleep. You’re exhausted but you also lie awake at night wondering what the future holds not realizing it’s right in front of you. There is nothing more peaceful than watching a child sleep.
Tell a person if you see them missing out on life. They might shrug you off, like I have many times in the past, but they might just realize all the precious moments they are missing out on.

It’s okay to spend some time relaxing on your phone and watching tv/movies but don’t become so consumed that you miss out on the little moments. My sister and brother-in-law have spent years telling me what I’m missing out on by not living in the present. It took me too long to realize this myself. So, live it up, you only live one life and it’s a precious one. Spend more time hugging and kissing your babies, loving on family, and less time worrying about everything else. Social media and tv can wait, but the loved ones around you cannot.

The picture I chose for this post was taken during hours of watching my baby sleep. There are many sleepless nights and I take advantage of those nights watching her sleep because I know it won’t last forever.

To the mama who gets no sleep….

EmilyHayden — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 16:17:37 +0000

Have you ever heard the phrase, “If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is”? If not, I’m sure all of us can relate some story to this saying. For me it happened shortly after we left the hospital with Myla. Myla slept great, and hated being disturbed in her deep sleep. We were so lucky and everyone was so jealous that we had a one week old sleeping through the night. Then David went back to work when she was just 3 weeks old, leaving me pretty much fending for myself. My husband works nights, so it only makes bedtime for Myla that much more difficult. I have worked nights before and I can assure you that it is not easy, and a baby only makes that more difficult. There have been nights were my baby wants to be held ALL NIGHT LONG, leaving me with an hour, MAYBE two, of sleep, mostly in five minute increments. David helps as much as he can and I see him sacrifice his sleep so I can take a nap or two when possible, but let me just say, mamas are amazing creatures. I have never in my life been able to function off so little sleep. Even though I am exhausted, this tiny human being keeps me going every minute of every day. There may be sleepless nights, but it is only temporary. My brother once told me, “You can do anything temporarily.” That phrase stuck with me and kept me going through many hardships. It is so true. I have to remind myself that it won’t last forever, she won’t always be this little, and she won’t always think she needs me every second of every day. So mamas, keep being amazing. Being exhausted is part of the job, let’s embrace it! For this time is only temporary and one day we will find ourselves missing that sweet little newborn who doesn’t talk back and thinks we are the world. One day we will lay awake at night worrying about more than wondering why they won’t sleep. In the quiet hours of the night, I find myself just staring at my daughter through exhausted eyes and I see how perfect every little part of her is. I created that! Looking into her sleepy eyes, crying for mama to hold her, keeps me going. So hang in there, after all, it is only temporary.