Turning Thirty

Today, I turned thirty years old.  I've been dreading this day for a few weeks now, but now that it's here it doesn't seem as bad as it sounds.  I have had some coming of age moments this year.  Pregnancy, childbirth and the rearing of a child. 

First, I have found that I am more thoughtful in my nutrition and care for myself.  Much credit goes to Tim, who's recently really gotten in to learning more about nutrition and is always looking for ways to engage and enlighten his wife along the way.  For Christmas, Tim got me some topical magnesium gel.  Magnesium is an incredibly important and valuable mineral many women lack!  Your body needs it in order to absorb calcium, but it also balances calcium in your muscles.  It's also important for relaxation!  Because it helps with muscle relaxation, it helps you rest better and have more energy during the day because it enables you to rest.  What new mom wouldn't benefit from that?  I'm still a work in progress but I feel like I am gaining a little each day in this area as I continue to use the gel and Sammy finds his own rhythm and nighttime schedule.  I am also taking a cod liver oil supplement to promote brain health for both me and Sammy.  Some of the other items include vitamins B-6, B-12, C, and D along with my regular women's multi-vitamin. 

After reading Nina Planck's Real Food for Mother and Baby: The Fertility Diet, Eating for Two and Baby's First Food, I am more intentional in eating fish three times a week and brought dairy back in to my diet since Sammy seems to be passed his tummy pains.  I also found her personal stories on motherhood and nursing encouraging.

Just this week, a colleague asked if I had been doing something different with my hair and then Tim on a number of occasions has just turned to me and said, "Hunny, you look really pretty!"  The shine in my hair I think is a result of the supplement and diet changes I have made and I love it.  It's important to take time for yourself, even if it's five minutes of popping pills in the morning to start your day right. 

Second and more importantly, I appreciate my parents more and have found my birthday is not just about me, but honoring them for their love, support and care for me over the years.  Tim, Sammy and I got to Skype with my parents this evening and it was nice to be able to do something for them, knowing all that they've done for me.  As a new parent, the past year has been an eye opening experience to the sacrifices parents make for their children.  Mom and Dad, thanks for all you do and for being avid readers and followers of my blog.  I love you!

I look forward to all the Lord has in store for me this coming year.