I knew that becoming a mommy would be life altering. But little did I know, that my entire perspective on life would change. I now live and breathe for my baby. Tristan has to be a component in every decision that I make. If we go out, do we leave him with a grandparent or do we take him with us? Will we go on a road trip during his morning nap or afternoon nap? Did I check to make sure we had enough baby food to last the week or should I stop at the grocery store on the way home? A trip to Ireland? No, thanks. Don't want to be away from him for a week, and not really ready to take a baby on a long vacation.
But here's the thing: I don't view any of these changes as "negative". It's crazy, isn't it? And then I come across this quote. Could it be any clearer??? It's not about MY WISHES. It's not about what's best for ME. It's about what's best for HIM. Am I saying that I'm no longer going to do things that interest me or that I'm going to regret giving up a care-free life? No. And if you're getting that from this post, then you're reading it wrong.
I love to see Tristan happy. I love seeing him experience and enjoy new activities. I love... well, Tristan. And when you love somebody, what's important to that person now becomes important to you.
But... there's even more to think about with this quote <insert my English teacher voice>. As a parent, I am the frame. What does a frame do? It protects the picture. What does a parent do? A parent protects the baby. I'm his boundary. I'm there to stop him from pulling something down on him.... or from falling and hitting his head.... or from putting something in his mouth that he shouldn't.... I'm his frame. I'm his boundary.
Life as a parent is a beautiful picture. A picture of happiness and fulfillment. But as our idea of happiness changes, our pictures change. As we protect our families and realize that it's not all about "us" as individuals anymore, but rather "us" as a family, we begin to enjoy life from a new point of view.
A picture is a beautiful thing, but the frame is what makes it complete. And YOU mommy, will forever be the frame.