I Could Never Repay My Village

In the two years that my son has been on this earth, I already owe my family my next born child for all they have done for us.  I know they say it takes a village to raise a child and boy am I happy with the one I have.  They have helped make my transition into motherhood a lot less stressful.  I am so grateful for all that they have done and continue to do for my son and me.  I honestly could never repay them.

From my son’s first day on this Earth, I knew he was set for life.  My first night in the hospital as a mother was tiring to say the least.  I went in at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday to be induced and ended up having him at 1:12 P.M Friday via csection.  I was so out of it due to all the drugs and being up for so long.  My husband went home to take care of our fur babies and to sleep a little.  I had some family come and visit, but once everyone had left, the exhaustion hit me!  I was breastfeeding and realized I was falling asleep.  I didn’t want to have my son go to the nursery, so I called my cousin.  This is the first time of many that this woman would save my sanity!  She had just gotten off work, went to the store to get me some Gatorade and the baby some cute pjs, and came to hang out with him while I slept for a little.  Those 4 hours of sleep were the best!  She was able to get him to sleep before she left.  The next time he woke up, it was time for his first bath, and I was able to get out of bed FINALLY!

The first few weeks home were trying!  I was getting the hang of nursing and lack of sleep.  I can’t even tell you how many times I called my best friend and told her I was done nursing!  I needed sleep and my son was a snacker and ate ALL NIGHT LONG.  She told me to push to 6 weeks and then decide.  I told her fine but he’s going on formula at 6 weeks!  She was right, something just clicked around 6 weeks and our breastfeeding journey continued till he was 17 months.  (Not without some major hiccups, but that’s a story for another time.)

During my son’s first year of life, I became so close with my little cousin.  I like to refer to her as my son’s partner in crime because these two have such a special bond.  She is the aunt that he will be calling when he’s older to talk about his mom being crazy.  She has helped me so much and spoils him rotten. 

All in all, my family is always there to lend a hand.  If I ever need a little break, they are all for keeping an eye on him while I nap.  There have been many times that my husband and I needed to leave for an emergency and one of my amazing, beautiful cousins have come to sit at my house while the baby slept. 

I know that I’m blessed when I have family members begging me to let the baby sleep over.  (Last night he slept over with his auntie because she missed him.) My village loves my son like their own.  I know I am lucky, and I don’t think I let them know enough how much I appreciate all they do for us.  From the breaks they give me, to the amazing hand-me downs, or gifts for my son, I am forever grateful.  I could never repay my village for all they have and most likely will do for my family.  There are so many people that I cannot name them all, but you know who you are.  Thank you for being a part of this crazy, amazing journey with me!