Things I've learned when I became a mother

I remember the time I had a pregnancy test with Emma. It was August 2014. I was delayed for 2 weeks, then when I had my test, it turned out positive. I cried on that day but it was not because of joy. I honestly didn't want to be pregnant at that time. Mike and I had so many plans at that time. But God had a different plans for us.

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevail." Proverbs 19:21

After that day, I made a decision to put in my heart and my mind that I will be a mother. I got excited and scared at the same time. It's normal to be scared because it's my first time. But I trust that God will be with me always.

So, I gave birth to Emma on April 15, 2015. She was 6.9lbs. On that day, everything changed. My life has changed. Our life has changed.

Here are some of the things I've learned as a mom.

1. It's not easy to be a mother but it's worth it. It's not easy to stay late at night, to nurse the baby, to change unlimited dirty diapers, to soothe a crying a baby. But I realized that those little and big things that we did when they are still a baby doesn't stay forever. So, be patient. Do everything as if you're doing it for the Lord. Right now, I have longer sleep and I don't need to change dirty diapers anymore.

My mother-in-law and Emma

2. It's okay if you don't know everything. Ask for help if you need help. I'm so blessed to have my mother-in-law, mama Marivic, who helped me take care of Emma through all these years. Also, my auntie Beulah who came here when I gave birth to her. Also, i still ask help from my mom every now and then for some advices. It's okay to ask help if necessary. 

My auntie Beulah

3. You will be braver and stronger for your child. I'm not very adventurous but Emma is. So, there are days when I needed to be brave for her. There are days when I showed strength not because I am strong but because of necessity. And being a mom means doing extra effort to all the things you used to do.

My mom and Emma

 4. I never thought I would give love this much. When I had Emma, love was just instant. And I always love her. Loving your child also means that you discipline her, teach her the right manners, and teaching her spiritual things. 

5. Time is very short so spend it wisely. I always remember her when she was still small. Those where the times when I can still snuggle her up and when I just carry her in my arms. The time I just babywear her and we go to places. Right now, she's growing up so fast. I am so blessed to see her grow gracefully.

Emma on her first stampede, 2016

 6. Teach your child spiritual things as early as possible. They are very receptive. Sing a hymn or a song while you're cuddling her to sleep. Read a bible story to her. These spiritual truths will be inculcated in her heart on her early age. The Bible says "train up a child in a way he should go, so when he is old, he will not depart from it" Proverbs 22:6.

Emma and friends on Sunday school

7. I've grown more in my spiritual life when I had her. It's because I always commit her to the Lord. She is not mine. She is the Lord's. I also wanted to be a role model to her, so I should display a good example in my Christian life. I also have prayed more because of her. I remember my parents and their constant and consistent prayers to us growing up. I am trying to be that person to her too. 

Summer of 2017

8. There's going to be a rollercoaster of emotions while rearing a child. It's not always happy and joyous. There are sad days, crazy days and even mad days. The important thing is at the end of the day, you talked to your child and make her feel loved despite of everything that happened to her day.

December 2017

9. Give lots of hugs and kisses while you can. They grew up so fast. Soon, they will not enjoy it anymore. So I want to give a lot of hugs and kisses as much as possible.

September 2018, High River

10. Appreciate the moms in your life. Because they've been through like this or worst. When I became a mom, I appreciate my mom more. I realized the things she has done for us. I also appreciate my mother-in-law too. She told me stories of how she raised her sons.

Summer of 2015

 So, this mother's day, let me honor my two mothers: my mom, Fe and my other mom, Marivic. Thank you for your sacrifices to us. Thank you for raising us well and for showing us the love of God. Thank you for your life and ministry to us. I love you both. 

Let me greet my sister, Barbie and my cousins, aunties, churchmates and friends who are also mothers. Have a happy mother's day! May you continue to shine for Jesus. May you never get tired of doing good for your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 

My sister in I, 2019

Mother's day 2019

Happy mother's day everyone. God bless