With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I've been thinking a great deal about love, relationships and everything in between. My hubby and I have been married for almost four years and now we have a little boy who has redefined by definition of love and expanded the capabilities in which I love infinitely. Our relationship has changed significantly this year since he has come into our lives. We are so much closer and our love for each other is deeper and more complete as we share in the joy of this little one. While I wouldn't trade this new kind of love for anything, with V-Day coming up, it has made me miss that feeling of falling ~ you know the kind of feeling when you first meet someone that you share that chemistry with and everything is new? The butterflies you get when you see them, the electricity you have when they touch your skin, the smile you get when you see their name on caller ID. When you go to the movies and raise the armrest so you can snuggle and sit next to each other at the restaurant because you can't stand to be that far apart. When every song on the radio describes you perfectly and you think all week about what you're going to wear on your date that weekend. I have always loved the feeling of falling in love and the first parts of love always have a special place in my heart.
This year, I've learned a new kind of falling in love that has been so different and so much deeper than all of that. I have fallen in love with a little boy who has stolen my heart and brought me so much happiness that sometimes I feel like my heart will burst. I have laughed when he laughs and cried when he has cried and have experienced the highest and the lowest part of caring for another. Since having Rhett, I have learned that love isn't stagnant, but it is ever changing. So, this year ~ love has a completely new meaning to me. Love is not just butterflies and kisses, nights out and quality time. This year, love has meant months of sleepless nights, awaking to the cries of my little one. I think I have spent hours in that rocking chair, getting him back to sleep only to do it all over again in a few hours. Love has also meant spending four months of my life being the sole nourishment for his tiny newborn body. Breastfeeding is the ultimate test of giving up yourself for the wellbeing of another. Love has also meant changing some of the worst diapers imaginable, being covered in vomit, five minute showers, and waking up at 5 am, even on the weekends. Having this child has made me realize that love isn't just a feeling, but it is the act of giving yourself completely to another ~ physically, emotionally and literally.
With the addition of Rhett in our lives, the love that Branden and I share is completely different too. We may not go out on Friday nights to dinner and a movie anymore, but we have spent many nights hanging out on the floor, laughing and playing with Rhett and then collapsed in exhaustion together once he has gone to bed. We have taken turns eating dinner, taking showers and watching t.v. because one of us has to always be with rhett. We have negotiated and compromised on things that are important to each of us as we raise him together. More than anything, we have each learned to go out of our way to show our care and concern for the other and the little things have become so important.
This Valentine's Day, I may not get flowers, candy and a great night out. But, I guarantee when I get up Saturday morning, the baby will have been fed, the house cleaned, the dishes washed, laundry done and fresh coffee will be brewing. I couldn't ask for more!
This year, I've learned a new kind of falling in love that has been so different and so much deeper than all of that. I have fallen in love with a little boy who has stolen my heart and brought me so much happiness that sometimes I feel like my heart will burst. I have laughed when he laughs and cried when he has cried and have experienced the highest and the lowest part of caring for another. Since having Rhett, I have learned that love isn't stagnant, but it is ever changing. So, this year ~ love has a completely new meaning to me. Love is not just butterflies and kisses, nights out and quality time. This year, love has meant months of sleepless nights, awaking to the cries of my little one. I think I have spent hours in that rocking chair, getting him back to sleep only to do it all over again in a few hours. Love has also meant spending four months of my life being the sole nourishment for his tiny newborn body. Breastfeeding is the ultimate test of giving up yourself for the wellbeing of another. Love has also meant changing some of the worst diapers imaginable, being covered in vomit, five minute showers, and waking up at 5 am, even on the weekends. Having this child has made me realize that love isn't just a feeling, but it is the act of giving yourself completely to another ~ physically, emotionally and literally.
With the addition of Rhett in our lives, the love that Branden and I share is completely different too. We may not go out on Friday nights to dinner and a movie anymore, but we have spent many nights hanging out on the floor, laughing and playing with Rhett and then collapsed in exhaustion together once he has gone to bed. We have taken turns eating dinner, taking showers and watching t.v. because one of us has to always be with rhett. We have negotiated and compromised on things that are important to each of us as we raise him together. More than anything, we have each learned to go out of our way to show our care and concern for the other and the little things have become so important.
This Valentine's Day, I may not get flowers, candy and a great night out. But, I guarantee when I get up Saturday morning, the baby will have been fed, the house cleaned, the dishes washed, laundry done and fresh coffee will be brewing. I couldn't ask for more!
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I guess I'm not the only non-materialistic.
ReplyDeleteAll that stuff that is expected to be given on VDay isn't necessary. It's the special little things done around the house that mean so much more.
true that! :)
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