This past year has been the most challenging and rewarding. As I take the week of Mother’s Day to reflect on my own personal introduction into motherhood I remember the ups and downs and the immense amount of love I get to endure daily.

I will not downplay the fact that there were downs and will continue to be. To dwell, dissect and explain them is not where this post is going. But I want to take a moment to admit to the hard times and admit to the growing pains. If you are looking to know if you are alone – you are not. Continue to seek the help you need if you are struggling as a new mom and know that there is the other side of your current hardship.

Growing pains – a great way to describe my first year of Motherhood.

I had a lot of adjusting to do. I still do.

Giving up yourself is what I thought it was to be a mother. However, I’ve realized through my first year of motherhood – though I am giving a lot of myself – I am getting so much in return.

During my 4th trimester, I was very introspective. Every day, I now strive to be the best version of myself. I want to learn from my mistakes, grow and be happy.

Already I have learned many lessons in my short time as a mom. A lot less actually matters, the things that do are important, and prioritizing those things help.

I look forward to learning more as I nurture my son and experience life through him.

During my first year as a mom, I thought a lot about my own childhood.

I reminisced certain joys and fond memories but also decided what was important to me as a parent. Creating memories and traditions as well as offering the most opportunities for him to discover himself are driving me as a mom.

I’ve put myself under a microscope during my intro year of motherhood.

I think it is easy to do. With social media, friends and family with kids, and the easiest access to information (google) it is easy to forget you have a gut you are able to follow.

I felt the need to take to heart all suggestions and strive to be the mom I admire in someone else. yet the moments where I relax and just be Lenox’s mom – are the easiest and most beautiful of all.

I know what he needs. I just have to trust myself and everything falls into place.

My dreams of solo travel with a backpack and a flexible plan are on hiatus.

…but are not over. When I unexpectedly quit my job as a flight attendant I thought it might be. The truth is, if I hadn’t quit when I did, I never would have.

I know I have opened myself up for other traveling opportunities as a family. ..and let’s be honest, anytime we have traveled without our son in the past year all we talk about is when we “bring him with us next time”.

This time in my life has shifted. Where I’m still eager to travel just in a more planned-out scenario for the whole family to enjoy.

The Camino de Santiago will be there when I’m ready.

My body has completely changed.

Oh, has it ever? It’s a Mom-bod. I’ve earned my right. It took me 12 months to embrace it, but health and stamina are what I strive for now.

The clichés are real

Damn, I love this kid of mine. It’s crazy how he can push buttons I do not know exists, but in the next moment I’m melting with love.

My favorite part of my day is getting him out of bed each morning and no matter how difficult the evening can be I always look at him sleeping on the monitor and say “he’s just so precious!”.

Important adjustments I’ve been working on this first year of motherhood:

• meditating, which helps with…
• being more light-hearted
• living in the moment
• counting blessings in all moments
• trusting I am who and where I am supposed to be in this exact moment.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned

Life is meant to be simple and fun. My son wakes up every day with eagerness to take on the day. He forgets about yesterday and he wants to enjoy every moment. That’s the kind of motto I want to live by.

As I reflect on my first year of motherhood, I understand the rewards of the life lessons, trusting in myself and the love I’ve experienced are worth the challenges. I am pushed, molded and forced to consider things I have not before. I am growing as a wife, a daughter, a friend.. as a human.

And the joy my son brings me each day is immeasurable.