What I have learned about being a parent

Today is one year since we found out that our home was going to be enlarged by two feet!

I can't help looking at Joseph and thinking, "WOW! I can't believe it, I'm a Mommy and he will ALWAYS need me."

It's crazy how much you change the way you think or act once you have a baby. I know that our parents told us it would change, but we never thought it would be so intense.

So here are some things I have learned about myself, Mark and being a parent in the last 4 months...

(1) I have learned that Mark and I have times when one of us is the more dominant parent.

(2) I thought I would be the one that is more hands on and Mark would be support when needed but we trade places depending on what Joseph needs.

(3)Having Joseph has brought us closer and at times it has moved us apart. But what do you expect with two strong, stubborn people with pretty hot tempers?!?! We make it work and remember that we love eachother for our differences and for our flaws.

(4) I have also learned that Mark gets extremely nervous when Joseph cries and he doesn't know if it's because of a tummy ache, he's tired and won't give into the sleep, or when he's hungry. He gets like this because he's frustrated and he feels he's not helping. I assure him that he is doing the best he can and that I get that way sometimes too.

(5) I have also learned that sleep deprived and/or stressed out I am more sensitive when it comes to an opinion or comment and that my temper is a lot quicker. (sorry to anyone who has felt the repercussions of this)

The most important thing we have learned is that no matter what God puts in front of us we will make it through and be stronger because of it. This last part is a work in progress because everyday is different with different needs and different solutions.

I now understand what our parents meant when they said, "You'll understand when you have kids of your own." You never know what you will feel or how you will react to situations when it comes to your own children, but no matter what you will always do what is best for them and they will thank you for it.