“A baby fills a place in your heart that you never knew was empty.”

-Author Unknown

I always love talking to new parents about how life has recently changed since having a newborn. For those who have other children, it doesn’t feel as stressful or as jolting as those who just had their first. I can remember what a life-changing event having my first was. Nobody could adequately prepare me for the sleep deprivation, the stress of a cry, feeling completely overwhelmed by it all. Of course, nobody could adequately prepare me for how much my capacity to love would grow as well. When you are in the thick of things and have a colicky baby or when you are trying to heal from childbirth, it is often to see that this will pass. You might know it, but it is hard to recognize that and believe it at 3am when you are up feeding and trying to get your baby back to sleep. As a mother, I have learned that everything is a phase-it all passes with time. Sometimes this is a relief and sometimes this is hard, because those phases can be so full of joy. When things are challenging, it is important to remind yourself that this will not last forever. You will someday get more sleep, stop having to buy diapers or formula, and your baby will grow up before your eyes. Keep hanging in there, mama. It is worth it, I promise. Let your heart expand and try to enjoy the good things among all the hard things.