I have learned over the past 6 months that there’s a different kind of love once you become a parent. Its something you never understand until you feel it for yourself.

Since my son has been born, I take life a little slower. I enjoy things a little more. I love to sit & watch him figure things out. I sat on the floor for 5 minutes this morning just watching him feel, taste, & explore a toy. Being a parent teaches you about all those things you have to learn. Those things that don’t come naturally. I see now, why in general a parent is a lot more patient than someone who isn’t.

I have also found out pain & exuberance can occupy the same space. I cried that first time my son rolled over because I was absolutely elated that he learned something new, but I was heart-broken that he was growing up. A friend of mine cried the other day when her daughters first tooth came in because the gummy baby smile is gone & she is growing up. I never knew until the past 6 months that something so painful can be something so heart wrenching.

These thoughts were all brought on by this picture….

This is my friend Kristy. I love this picture. I took it at her son’s 1st birthday party. A 1st birthday for a 1st time mom. I love this because you can see the joy in her face that her son is 1…a toddler. But you can also see how heart wrenching it is for her too. A perfect example of pain & joy occupying the same place.