On the weekend, we celebrated our darling little Samuel turning one – which is just so wild! He’s such a sweet little boy, he’s so happy and gives people big smiles, he loves exploring the world around him and loves his food. Chris and I just feel so blessed to be his parents and are excited to see where his life takes him. My parents and some of my siblings and their little ones came along for the celebration, which I really appreciate the effort they all made as we don’t live just down the road. We didn’t go overboard with party decorations, but we did have party hats on and some balloons, and I found a happy birthday sign the morning of the party in a random draw so that went up. One thing I did go to real effort for was the cake – I recreated the cake that Chris had for his first birthday, and it turned out so well. So I’m very happy about that. In the afternoon, we ventured to our local pool where a few friends and their little ones joined us.

The day had me reflecting on our first year as parents and raising our little man. There’s a saying that I’ve heard quite frequently in the past year: “The days are long but the years are short”. I agree wholeheartedly. Some days felt much longer than 24 hours, but my goodness I can’t believe it’s already been a year. I thought I’d share a few quotes and tips that others I’ve heard and have found so helpful in this past year:

Prayer: Of all the things that have helped me, this has certainly been the best. Before having Samuel, I read a quote that said “Don’t focus on being a perfect parent, but focus on being a praying parent”. I’m continually learning to lean on God more and more as I parent, taking all my worries and concerns to His feet, and praising and thanking Him for each new day. Everything He truly cares about, from baby’s health to feeding, to ideas for songs to sing and games to play, to those desperate prayers for help at 3am when I am just so exhausted and need His supernatural strength. He is always ready and willing to listen and love.

Your baby doesn’t know that you don’t know what you’re doing: I heard this on a podcast, and I really felt encouraged by it. Some days you just don’t know what you’re doing, or what your baby needs and that can feel so overwhelming and the thoughts can wage war. But your baby does not know that you don’t know what to do. They just want to be fed, sleep, and to be loved.

Trust your instincts: I never believed this one before having Samuel, but you truly do develop instincts, these gut-feelings and common sense that help you as you parent. No we don’t get it right all the time, but surely God gave us these instincts as we raise our little ones.

Nothing can really prepare you to become a parent: I also remember being told this, and a quote “Being a parent is the hardest thing you’ll ever do, and also the best thing you’ll ever do”. Nothing can truly prepare you for the nonstop rollercoaster ride of being a mummy or daddy to a precious little one. The hard times are hard, and I especially found that sleep deprivation and living away from family the hardest parts. But then there are just the sweetest moments that you can just never truly prepare for that are irreplaceable, particularly the sweetest of cuddles and those first moments that you get to witness with joy.

Keep your kitchen clean: This has been an absolute game-changer for me. I’ve found that keeping the kitchen, and home in general, clean and organised has helped me mentally. The house is certainly not always clean, but I have adopted a sort of clean-as-you-go mentality, and Chris has been so helpful with assisting me to keep the house clean. It can often feel like that small accomplishment that helps you through the day.

Those are just a few things and reminders that I have found so helpful in my first year of being a mum. What are some things that you’ve found helpful?

Psalm 127:3 – Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.

Love, Gracie