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| photos courtesy of our friend Josh Schneeberger - one of Bekah's best buddies |
Last Monday, I took Bekah to the pediatrician's office for her nine month appointment. I wasn't exactly looking forward to it, since shots were scheduled at the end, but it was nice to get out of the house together. Bekah loves watching the staff and smiling at them, and that's super cute to watch.
She was pretty sleepy from the start of the appointment, so by the time we got around to the shots and blood work (just normal tests) Bekah was so beyond ready to go home. Ya can't blame the girl. Appointments are a bummer sometimes. I'm usually pretty calm and level headed as she's getting her immunizations, but last week was especially hard. I think it's just because they had to do a little more than normal. I'm sure Bekah was having way less fun than me, so who am I to complain - but man, it's tough hearing her cry when I know there are more little pokes coming.
My go-to plan for getting through those moments is to talk in Bek's ear and snuggle her while all that happens. The nurse finished up after a few minutes, Bekah calmed down a little, and then we spent a few minutes alone together in the room before heading out.
I scheduled Bekah's next visits then carried my girl out to the car. As I walked down the ramp with Bekah in my arms, I leaned my head down to her little ear and told her she's the bravest 9 month old I've ever met.
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| photos courtesy of our friend Josh Schneeberger - one of Bekah's best buddies |
Something about that moment really stuck with me. Even a week later, I'm still thinking about it. In a way, her appointment last Monday was a pretty good picture of my experience with motherhood so far. While Bekah was getting her shots, I felt a familiar overwhelmed and scared feeling. I wanted what was best for her and knowing she was scared and uncomfortable made me feel kinda dizzy.
But only ten minutes later, we got to experience one of my very favorite parts of being a mom. When I leaned down to her and told her I was so proud of her and that she was brave, it felt like I was doing just what I was called to do. It was like encouraging my daughter was an ability God put in me that, when I used it, made everything else in me come to life.
The tough stuff will happen. There will be more moments where I feel overwhelmed and where I worry for Bekah. But Bekah Lynn, as long as God gives me life here - I pray that I'll use all the breaths I can to remind you what an amazing girl you are. I'm so proud of you and love who you are in a way I never could have imagined. Thanks for making me a momma, sweetie pie! We're going to make it through lots of tough stuff together and I believe we'll come out stronger each time.
Love,
Mommy
(and Bonnie to the rest of you ;))
Yes it is (what you were born for). Thanks for being such a great Mom and wonderful example to that beautiful little bundle of joy.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet post. What has really inspired me is the quote from The Help, the maid telling the daughter of her boss, "You is smart, you is kind, you is important."
ReplyDeleteThanks Tayler. :) I'm with you - I was so touched by that part of the story. I can't help but think about the difference those words would have made how her life turned out as she grew up.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gerry - it's my pleasure! :) She's an amazing little girl. I feel like I need to pinch myself sometimes - I feel so crazy blessed that she's my daughter.
ReplyDeleteOh Bonnie, you are an incredible mom and a wonderful encourager! And it's so neat when God brings those two things together.
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