We’re back with another #motherhoodmademe, and today’s feature is my cousin, Shannon. She’s a woman of faith, she has always had an incredible sense of humor, and she’s an all around cool chick. She and her husband share a passion for cars, so their little guy is just about the luckiest boy alive. How many kids grow up with parents who love the sounds of engines revving, and the smell of a fresh burnout?!

Shannon is in her first year of motherhood, which is such a huge time of transformation, exhaustion, and connection. I’m thrilled to share her insights into motherhood.

Here is Shannon’s Story:

I would like to begin by saying that I have only been a mother for about 4 months now. Motherhood is still VERY new to me, so I feel like I don’t have too much to say on this topic, but these past four months have been quite a roller coaster!

After reading my cousin Melissa’s post, I felt like she hit the nail right on the head! Motherhood has made me very tired. It’s a kind of tired I have never experienced in my whole life. It’s a very draining type of tired. Not only from lack of sleep, but also from me being in a constant state of watch and worry. Is he breathing? Is he getting enough to eat? Am I qualified to take care of such a precious human life? Right now, in my current state of motherhood, I feel like I’m always going to be this tired, but my experienced mother friends and family tell me it will get better. 

Motherhood has also made me stronger in my faith. During my pregnancy, a couple of ultrasounds showed possible signs of Down syndrome. Being a woman over 35 years of age made the possibility of Down syndrome more likely. After that news, I prayed like I had never prayed before. I knew God had a plan for me and this baby, and I trusted God to only give me what I could handle. God answered my prayers and gave me a perfectly healthy, happy baby boy. I know I am not alone on this crazy motherhood journey, as God is always by my side, and I know He hears my prayers. I feel closer to God now, more than ever. 

My sister and I have always been close, but I feel like motherhood has brought me closer to her; something I didn’t think was possible! She is a very experienced mother of three wonderful kids, and is my go-to. Knowing that she is there for me to talk to, and to calm me down when my baby’s poop looks weird,etc. has made me appreciate our relationship so much more. And seeing how much she loves my baby makes me so happy! She has helped me so much these past four months; I don’t know what I would do without her. 

Most of all, motherhood has made me excited. I am excited to watch this little one grow, and to see what God has planned for him. I am excited to take care of him, be his mom, guide him, and love him always. I am learning to cherish each and every moment as I know I won’t be able to hold him in my arms forever.