grace...

Yesterday I was taught a big mommy lesson, well a life lesson in general, that Caleb doesn't fit my schedule. Big shocker there, right? Actually no that wasn't the lesson I was talking about but it does have to do with Caleb's schedule. So Monday night I texted my hairstylist asking if we could meet 30 minutes earlier to get my roots touched up. By asking for 30 minutes earlier that would get me home in perfect time to see my beautiful friend, Jamie, and meet her son, Nathan. Boom, boom, boom schedule all set. It would be perfect, everything was planned out as I did in my life pre-Caleb. I am a scheduler by nature, a if I go to this store it is perfect because it is near this store that I need to pick up whatever I need type of person. I like to plan out my day. I am the type of person who by Monday morning I was asking friends their plans for Friday evening so I knew I would have something fun to look forward to and also so that I wasn't at home by myself if Sean was out of town at a track meet or something. My hairstylist graciously agreed to meet me earlier. Fast forward to yesterday morning, it was 8:15am, I got myself dressed, a little make-up (lately it is just mascara and blush), Caleb was sleeping and I thought I would pick him up and put him in his carseat. Nope, he decided he was hungry and since we had a 40 minute drive to my stylist (I have been going to her since 2007 where we lived previously to moving and I am not cutting that relationship anytime soon), I didn't want him screaming all the way there. So feeding it was and that set me back approximately 30 minutes. Remember me asking my stylist to meet 30 minutes earlier, well here I was showing up 30 minutes late. Thankfully, she was understanding and granted me grace for being late. Of course being late to my hair appointment meant I was late already for my next scheduled event, seeing Jamie and Nathan. All the way back I felt so disappointed in myself, and no blame on Caleb. Jamie with 8-week old Nathan granted me grace for being so late and we had a wonderful visit. The rest of the day I got to thinking, try as I might but some days aren't going to come together as well as I would like in my pre-Caleb days. Some days I just have to give myself a pat on the back for just making it through the day despite the dirty house, unwashed dishes, etc. 
Grace is a lesson I need to learn quickly to give myself and to give others in general, which I admit I don't do very well, especially those closest to me (sorry Sean) but through the grace two friends showed me yesterday made me realize I need to do it more to others and to myself as well as a new mom.
Grace is allowed because God first showed us grace and if others show us grace, how can we not give it to return?
Very thankful to these two amazing and wonderful women who have taught me more than they could ever imagine :-)

15 comments:

Kate Costello said...

Grace is indeed a beautiful gift...so glad you are receiving it in such abundance from dear ones =) And personally I think you are doing an amazing job as a new mommy. Caleb and Sean are blessed to have you =)

brooke lyn said...

grace and understanding is definitely needed. glad you have understanding people in your life!

Lauren said...

the fact that you are even finding time to get your hair done and meet friends as a new mom is impressive in itself!!

Hilary said...

I'm just like you - I'm a scheduler! I'm sure I'll be learning the same lesson here soon!

Sarah said...

Totally agree! You have your perfect day planned out, but then someone needs to be fed, etc, and all times go out the window. But you put it perfectly, give and get back in return.

Joanna said...

I am also a scheduler by nature (YA Erin Condren Life Planners!) and I barely left the house when Joaquin was a newborn because I just couldn't wrap my brain around when to go, would it interfere with naps or feedings, would I have time for this or that, would I be home in time for bath, would it ruin everything...ugh I really put myself in a jail with all those thoughts. It didn't work and actually planning MORE helped me. I gave myself extra time and forced myself to go with the flow if it didn't work out. I'm happy to report that I can successfully go out without freaking out! LOL

I didn't know you moved out here. I actually teach out here in R-side. Near Tyler actually. There is a fabulous kid park near you. Perfect for play dates when your little one is up and running. :)

Jess said...

Good thing he is so so so SO cute! I have yet to work out my "time management" with Oliver! We were 20 minutes late to a wedding this weekend (needless to say, we MISSED the ceremony!) because he decided he was hungry as we were trying to leave and I couldn't bear to not feed him even though I had a bottle ready ;)

Hope you're loving every minute of motherhood!

Allison said...

I'm so thankful for God's grace and getting grace from others. I know I will face this same issue someday when I'm a momma so thanks for prepping me now. Haha.

Ashley @ Life with Kids said...

I have found in the last 9 months of having Ellie that she can sense our "urgency" and then decides that she want to eat. When we have no tight schedule she will go hours between feedings. It's so funny and I love her so. Luckily we bottle feed so she is usually done with a bottle in about 10 minutes, but it still can put a wrench in things. You got it mama an it will all be ok. Grace.

atparsons.blogspot.com

Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted said...

This is probably one of the hardest things I have had to adjust to with motherhood but the good thing is the grace from others is so abundance when they know you're a new mommy that it helps ease the anxiousness and stress!!

Lauren said...

Oh girl, how I can totally relate! I am crazy OCD about making plans and keeping them and doublechecking them and making them happen...and then Elyse happened. And sometimes those plans happen, and sometimes they don't...and either way, it's ok.

Lauren {at} Life.Love.Lauren said...

One day I will be learning this lesson the same way!!

A Brew of Blessings said...

Sweet momma! I can only imagine the adjustments that children bring ;)

The Olive Tree Blog said...

loved this!! I am like you too...I like to plan and by like I mean NEED...lol. I have 3 other people to take care of I need details... :) When we had our 3rd kiddo it was sooooooo hard for me to let go a bit...just so that we would actually be on time...love these little life lessons. :)

Kate @ Daffodils said...

O my friend, you will never be on time again, people will understand ;) But Grace is definitely one of the biggest gifts we have as mothers. Caleb is a sweetheart and I am so happy for you guys!