It Takes a Village to Raise a Mother

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit."
~ Albert Schweitzer

I'm going to come out and say it.  This is the second time I started this blog post.  I had started typing, had a little melt-down, let some friends know what was going on in my head, got a virtual smack to the back of my head to get me back on track, and started over again...including the title and quote!!  There wasn't anything bad that happened today, on the contrary, great things were happening at the office.  The negative that I was feeling was because I couldn't enjoy it myself and I started having a little "pity-party".  

I'm not going into the details, but a 4 month old received his first adjustment today.  His mommy got him started and is getting the rest of the family checked, too!!  Another healthier family!!!  I love that.  What I AM going to go into with more detail is the importance of a support system.  Every woman who has pregnant will tell you that as soon as someone finds out you are going to have a baby, the advice starts flowing warranted or not.  In my first couple posts I commented on the importance of me putting together my perfect Birth Team.  I truly believe there is just as much of an importance in putting together a general Mama Support Team.  This should go beyond even just your family.  They will be there for you through thick and thin, but by having a group outside of your family may give you insights on things you hadn't considered before.  Seek out a group of moms, other pregnant women, and other like-minded women (and by like-minded, I mean those who have the same philosophies regarding health, birthing, etc.) to keep in touch with throughout your pregnancy AND BEYOND.

I am EXTREMELY fortunate to have a group of ladies like that to keep me "in check".  Like the Schweitzer quote referred to...my "inner fire" was going out for a bit today.  These wonderful, strong, supportive ladies definitely rekindled my inner spirit!!  The beauty of this blog is that often times after I post, I will get a little text or Facebook message from a friend or family member that gives me a little boost, too.  My support system, or the "Kool-aid drinkers" as I lovingly refer to them (some of the ways we view pregnancy, birth, health, etc. aren't considered "Mainstream".....YET....he he he), are my cheerleaders, shoulders, advice-givers (when asked, of course), and exactly what I need as I go through this journey.  They are the cheerleaders on the sidelines of this marathon I'm running and will be there at the finish line to help me recover, too.  Don't get me wrong, my family is my CORE support and I couldn't do any of this without them. But as tonight's title states...it DOES take a village to raise a mother.  Thank you, ladies!!!!

Lessons Learned for Big Dreams

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”

~ Bil Keane

Most parents would agree that when they have dreams for their children, they want AT LEAST what they had growing up, and in most cases better...or more.  Each generation tries to improve things for the next.  I know that was heavy on my sister's mind when she was pregnant with my nephew.  It has DEFINITELY been on my mind as well.  There are important key factors we need to remember, though...circumstances are usually different, opportunities aren't always the same, and as long as we are loving our children and giving them what they NEED from us emotionally, spiritually, as teachers and leaders, and provide their necessities, they will be FINE.

How many times have we thought, as adults, "If I could do ______ over again...."?  I wouldn't do anything different, personally.  Experiences from my past have contributed to who I have become as a person.  There were lessons in those experiences that provide framework to future encounters.  What I have come to realize in my many hours of contemplation, is that though I may want this baby to have what I had growing up, any changes I would have considered making, I CAN!!  I'm not saying that I would prevent this child from facing challenges, because challenges help us learn what we are capable of.  This pregnancy has thrown "challenges" my way, and I have HAD TO grow, learn, and move forward with the understanding that these lessons have purpose.  The experiences I have had in the past can also help me to PERSONALLY bring the knowledge gained to my children and teach them myself, creating another opportunity to share moments.

I always considered myself, as a Doctor, a teacher.  In fact, if I hadn't become a Doctor, I probably WOULD HAVE become a teacher.  To be a parent is also to be a teacher.  I have heard so many parents wonder where the "owner's manual" is for when they have their baby.  The truth is that your past and present experiences are pages that make up the manual that will help you make decisions regarding your children.  I knew that in my head before, but this "time to think" has really helped me understand it in my heart.  What I have learned about health and nutrition will give my child a better start.  He/she will grow up not knowing what soda tastes like, so they won't be addicted by the time they are 10 years old.  He/she will KNOW what a healthy portion of food is as opposed to eating until they are stuffed.  This child will be adjusted from birth and will always have his/her body working the way it was designed to....from above-down, inside-out without interference...the same way Taz is growing and developing now.