Lydia J Will: Afternoons with Rosie {Mindful Mothering Monday}

6 weeks ago, I woke with that sense of knowing as only a Mother can know - the time was drawing near. Less than 24 hours, Rosemary was in my arms and her name forever stamped on my heart with the other five - my precious tribe. She joined 3 brothers and 2 sisters and the madness of life in this big family.

Daddy stayed home a full week and up in my room, Rosie and I got to know each other. In the weeks since, that little bedroom under the eaves has continued to be a kind of sanctuary for us. These days, she's growing bigger and stronger, testing out smiles and spending more time awake than before.

The mornings dawn fast and furious and is filled with dishes and laundry and walks and toddlers and all that goes in the managing of this large family. But in the afternoon, while Peter takes his nap, Rosie and I retreat, too. She sleeps best in my arms and I read or watch her or nod off, myself. I take the time to notice, to marvel and to savor this person who has already changed so much.

I make that time for just the two of us, acknowledging that the helplessness of a human baby makes this much clear - my job right now is her complete care. Anything else is secondary. I can forget that sometimes, in the rush and crush of so many chores and responsibilities. Her needs are my top priority. Anything else can wait.

There is something miraculous about it all. I'm getting to know her likes and dislikes, and long before she'll speak her first word, Rosie and I begin to communicate. This person I didn't know 6 weeks ago is now in my inner circle, fiercely loved, protected and valued above relationships I've had for years. It's like magic, how this is all designed to work. Even on my 6th time around, I'm still amazed at how deep and fast a Mama can fall for a tiny, helpless little slip of a human.

At 6 weeks old, she's moving out of the newborn stage and solidly into baby mode. In the quiet of a spring afternoon, I'm treasuring it all up in my heart, a gift to keep with me forever. I inhale her and fall even more deeply in love.

{It's Mindful Mothering Mondays, a day to take a deep breath and write out your mothering journey, whatever form it takes. A day to link up for encouragement from others who are in this same phase of life. A day of writing out the trials and triumphs and what you're learning right where you are, right now.

You might post recent struggles or thoughts. Maybe just a picture or a quote. Or maybe you'll just come here and read the links that others post. Whatever form your participation takes, this is a day for you.
We are all in this, together. Together, we can encourage and build one another up, be honest with our shortcomings and strengthened by community to keep fighting the good fight.

I chose Mondays because what Mama doesn't need a little encouragement on a Monday? As such, I'll have the link up ready to go on Sunday night for you to begin submitting your links.

I hope you'll meet with me each Monday! Here's what to do ~

Link up your post below. Remember to put the link to the exact post you want to link, and not just your blog url. Include in your post a link back here so others who want to join in can find us! And visit some other Mamas who have linked up.

Post the community graphic within your post, so people who are reading your Mindful Mothering post can come back here and find the rest of us!

Invite the writers of your favorite blogs to join in!

Share this meme with others on facebook and twitter. This community is for all moms, and the more that participate, the more we will be able to enjoy!!}

Grab the graphic here:
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