I love being a mom. I love so dearly the little child entrusted to me and while the latter may have always been true, I’m not so sure about the former. I remember those early weeks of motherhood as dark, scary, and hopeless (you can read more about it here). There were plenty of beautiful moments and there was never a doubt that I would go through it all again for Lincoln, but it was hard.
This time around I’ve been focused (or have tried to be focused) on the positive. As we get closer and closer to baby girl’s arrival, I can’t help but be a bit excited. Maybe I’m delusional or suffering from selective memory loss, but I loved the reminder from General Conference this weekend that:
“It is a choice we make daily — to choose faith over doubt.”
As I anticipate the early weeks with baby #2, I’m choosing faith over the fear that crept in too much last time around. I’ve braced myself for long nights, painful nursing sessions, and a bit of unknown, but I’ve learned that hard doesn’t mean bad and I’m stronger than I think I am. It was also comforting to be reminded that I do not need the strength to do everything on my own, because Heaven is on my side. One of my favorite remarks from the weekend was the closing address by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. It was a message of hope, comfort, and inspiration.
“Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever.”
P.S. We snapped these pictures on a quick walk before conference started this weekend. The baby bump is officially 29 weeks and Lincoln is almost 15 months! I’ve been wearing this maternity/nursing friendly sweater non-stop for the last week or so and I was almost glad the weather stayed cool enough for Lincoln to sport his new knit. I’d heard good things about JoJo Maman Bebe last pregnancy but never tried any of their pieces and was excited to find out they also have a kids line! Most of Lincoln’s Easter outfit was from there and everything we have is the best quality (his highest quality clothes yet). I’m excited to show you a few more pieces we got for him because I don’t think it gets much cuter than babies in blazers 😉
on Lincoln: sweater; JoJo Maman Bebe, c/o
denim: 7 for Mankind via TJ Maxx shoes: Pediped, c/o (another AWESOME pair of first walking shoes for toddlers)
jacket: Hanna Andersson via thredUP (this year’s version here)
cutest nautical look and side braid. Lovin the bump too. You seem to carry very high. I was always very low carrier, but I am tall and I think shorter women carry differently. Overall, adorable.
I was only able to breast feed my 1st for 3 months and now with my 2nd, breast feeding is so much easier. Its not easy. I don't know if it'll ever be easy but certainly easier! Go into it being confident and if doesn't work out any way you can save yourself all that previous guilt anyway because you already know being fed is best. Good luck to you and your beautiful family!
cutest nautical look and side braid. Lovin the bump too. You seem to carry very high. I was always very low carrier, but I am tall and I think shorter women carry differently. Overall, adorable.
You two are so adorable in your matching outfits!!!
It is amazing how much attitude determines our happiness. It truly is a choice.
I was only able to breast feed my 1st for 3 months and now with my 2nd, breast feeding is so much easier. Its not easy. I don't know if it'll ever be easy but certainly easier! Go into it being confident and if doesn't work out any way you can save yourself all that previous guilt anyway because you already know being fed is best. Good luck to you and your beautiful family!