4 Things My Son’s 1st Birthday Has Taught Me

On January 5, 2020, at 1:46 am EST, I gave birth to my first child, my son Noah. Happy Birthday, Noah!

My life changed forever. I am connected to this human for the rest of my life. 

Now that it’s precisely one year later, there are so many things that Noah has taught me as a parent and woman. I don’t think I would have come to these conclusions if he hadn’t come into my life the way he did and when he did.

I can do anything, including sharing this Birthday with my son

It wasn’t easy, but I did it. 

At 42 weeks gestation (which is much longer than many US women stay pregnant), I gave birth. I pushed my body to the limit, and SHE didn’t fail me. 

SHE didn’t fail me mentally, physically, or spiritually, which lets me know that I can do anything. I had so many people thinking I was crazy or that it wouldn’t work or I couldn’t do it and be successful. But I knew I could, and that mindset has stuck with me even now. 

Things that I have done well and excel so that everything else is light work can do that. 

I’m doing my best, which is ENOUGH.

I’ve always pushed myself to the limit, but Noah has taught me that I have to have a limit. I can’t push everything out of my cup all the time. I have to have some for me, him, Cooper, the hubs, my business, etc.

Boundaries are what I’m working on, and it’s because I want him to have the best parts of me so that when he gets older, it will help shape the person he turns out to be. 

I never really thought about that in real depth before becoming a parent because the hubs and I are grown, and I don’t need to “pour” myself into his being, but with Noah, I do.

Being a solo parent during the day for 12+ hours 5 days a week gets exhausting. I work, and although as he has gotten older, I’ve found more ways to enhance our time without TV, I can’t do it all, and Noah loves what I have to give, which makes him complete. I can honestly say on his birthday; he is such a light and happy baby. 

It makes me complete and knows that I’m doing a great job and that my enough is enough for him. 

Start investing and saving early. The best birthday gift I can give

The hubs and I always talked about opening a savings and investment account for Noah early to teach him financial literacy at a young age. You’d be surprised how this education can skip generations. Today on his birthday, I will give him this valuable gift.

For me, it’s so crucial that Noah understands how money works so that he can have the conversations that I couldn’t when he is in grade school. 

I was fortunate that my parents started savings account for my sister and me at a young age, and I want to give that to him but take it a step further.

Now that I’ve bought stocks and learning how they work. Teaching Noah will be the key to unlocking intergenerational wealth.

Stay humble; A Birthday is a Special Gift.

Looking at Noah, I eat a piece of humble pie every single day. He reminds me that I will get no short-cuts, no breaks and that I have to WORK.

Even now, Noah doesn’t go easy on me, LOL. He gives me the business minute by minute to keep me on my toes. 

Nothing has ever come easy for me, but I know it will take a lot more effort with Noah, and I have to do the work. That’s the only way to win.

I see it in Noah when he meets new people. He makes you WORK for his attention, admiration, and trust. It’s humbling to see one-year-old so wise beyond their years, and it keeps me in check. 

I thank Noah for making me see so many beautiful things about my life that I didn’t see before. He’s taught me I have to confront, confirm, surrender, and thrive. 

On this day, I dedicate this post to him because he is the reason I am here. My goal is to help, serve, and build the community, and Noah is the key to doing that. Happy Birthday, Noah!