Becoming a Mom for the First Time

A mom to four. Four. FOUR. Where did the time go? In just five months, I’ll have four kiddos.

It makes me think back to becoming a mom for the first time…

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Back then, seven years ago, I thought I knew it all. I was the oldest of five kids, the oldest of 17 grandkids, and the oldest of most all other cousins, so I was definitely around little kids a lot. I held babies. I fed babies their bottles. I changed diapers.

And then I grew up, got married, and decided to have a baby on my own.

I discovered that you don’t just become a mom when your baby is born. No, in my mind, you become a mom twice.

The first time is when you see those two little lines and you can envision the future 50 years in advance. You start to care for him or her as they grow in your belly. You changed emotionally and physically to meet the needs of you baby. You prepare life on the outside for the little one growing on the inside.

The second time you become a mom is when the baby is placed in your arms, when you become guardian, protector, nurturer, and shield of this little dependent baby who needs you to live. Now, your heart lives outside of your protective womb, and you need to guide the child to grow in an uncertain world.

It’s a surreal experience, becoming a mom for the first time. Just looking at the tiny baby in your arms changes your whole outlook on life, and you welcome the change.

Now, since I’m currently a mom to three soon to be four, a little of that magic has faded since it’s no longer new to me, but I still remember it as clear as yesterday…

Becoming a Mom for the First Time Poem

I created this poem about becoming a mom for the first time a while ago using magnetic poetry (you know, when I only had two kiddos and a lil’ extra time…). Enjoy!