Tag Archives: mother

Baby Bump and Bubble Wrap

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Maybe you haven’t heard but I’m going to be a grandma, for the first time, in late August. We found out on Christmas Eve and let’s just say…it’s been consuming our thoughts ever since. Not only do I have to come up with a grandma name (more in another blog) but we’ve even been rethinking our home renovations in consideration of little feet navigating our house.

Expectant mother
Baby McGarvey in mid-March

I’ve noticed that as my beautiful daughter-in-law’s baby bump grows each day, I get a little more emotional. She’s so happy and just glowing from this pregnancy. It is a dream come true and Don and I recognize the big changes coming, not just for them, but also for us.

I’ve noticed that I’ve become more protective, more prayerful. I feel more in need of assurance that God is watching and caring and growing this little life, who is already so loved. I want to just surround Tristen in bubble wrap to protect her from sadness and pain, from the hurts that come with being a mom.

I wish she wouldn’t have childbirth pain (and I’m sure she’s with me on that one), but any mom will tell you that the reward far outweighs the initial suffering. I pray for Tristen’s health and the health of her baby. I pray her little one will sleep well and nurse easily, but odds are there will be bumps (pun intended) along the way. My prayers change each day, but I know God loves that little one even more than I do and that’s almost unfathomable to me.

I’ve figured out that the magic protective bubble wrap is really my prayers, and those of Tristen, David, Don and everyone who loves this couple. God has it all under control and He always has. There is no change coming that God isn’t already preparing us for. These nine months in the womb are as much for us as for that growing child.

I guess I’m not quite ready to be a grandma…but I will be by the time that little loved one shows up!

Knock It Off!

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Day 7 – Giving Up Some Bad Words

I recently had a conversation with my brother and sister about a word we all find offensive…especially in a certain context. It’s demeaning, rude and mostly used to stereotype and categorize people in a negative way. The most offensive thing about this word? It is used by the very person who it is belittling. Yes – you and I use this word to put ourselves down or in a very tiny box. We can’t blame anyone else but ourselves. Oh – you want to know what the word is.

Just.

As in “I’m just a receptionist”…or “I’m just a mom”…or “I’m just a nursery worker.”

“Just” has a first-cousin word – “only” – which we also use frequently.

“I’ve only got a high school education.” “I’ve only been a Christian for a year.” “I only know how to bake cakes from a box mix.”

just-a-mom

Some of us are so good at using these two words that we put them together as in…”I’ve only just learned how to (fill in the blank)”…or “I’m only just a (another blank).”

Side note: I could take a whole different blog for those of you who use these two words to back away from responsibility but not today. You’re welcome.

Let’s do ourselves a favor. In a world full of people more than willing to denigrate and disparage us in our jobs, our roles, our talents and skills, why not cut ourselves some slack. Let’s love ourselves and begin to use uplifting and encouraging language when we describe who we are. When you’re tempted to say “I’m just a mom,” remember that makes you a cook, maid, teacher, nurse, referee, chauffeur, security officer, handyman and personal assistant (and a hundred more titles). You may want to update your resume.

Just take a minute to re-wire your thinking about yourself. It isn’t about what you DO anyway. It’s about who you ARE. Look at yesterday’s blog if you need a reminder.

Just be yourself – only yourself. You are amazing. Just amazing.