learning to think like a Mommy

Last weekend we spent some time with Mike's parents in the Charlotte, NC area. While he was hanging out with his Dad at the NHRA drag race (see www.nhra.com to discover what you're missing) and his Mom was at work, I spent the morning at a local coffee shop run by a presumably Turkish fellow with great coffee and a quiet atmosphere. My morning happiness was threatened by an email from my academic adviser from VCU explaining that next semester I would have an incredible workload and 135 clinical hours to fulfill in order to graduate in December. With a newborn, she recommended taking only 2 classes in the fall and 2 classes in spring, with graduation scheduled for May.

Being the over achieving first born that I am - I immediately started trying to figure out how I could manage to do the impossible and get it all done by December so I could graduate 'on time.' The rest of the day my brain was wrapped up in this and I couldn't focus on anything else.

Mercifully, God gave me some quiet time with my journal and Bible that afternoon. The Holy Spirit knows how to intercede for us even when we don't know what to pray - and He prompted the realization that I know came from God and not from me: my dearly loved baby needs a Mommy more than an RN with her BSN completed by December. This incredible gift for whom I prayed for two years needs to be my primary care, not getting the leftovers from a tired, cranky, and overwhelmed student. "My" goals and priorities have to change. I guess this was the first time I realized that our decisions as a couple and mine as an individual are going to have an impact on someone other than just the two of us. I don't want our little girl to start life out with a stressed out mom. She will have enough opportunity to learn to be stressed without me giving her first-hand lessons!

Then the blessings from God continued as the next night, Mike and I were able to talk through the decision and he wisely guided me to take a reduced load and graduate in May 2011. He knows how my brain works and knew that I had already planned it all out - "me and the baby can do this!!" - and he said very gently - no, you can't! :-) He watches out for me better than I ever imagined.

So, all that to say, I'm beginning to think like a Mommy - what is the best thing for my little girl, not what is the best for me? Reading Ted Tripp's "Shepherding a Child's Heart" has been a great influence and encouragement to us and it reminds me that parenting will be our primary calling, taking precedence over school, work, and even house cleaning. (Imagine that!)

Pictures coming soon of little Miss Medlin!