For most of my life, I remember wanting to be a mother. As a young girl, I’d push around my Bitty Baby doll in a stroller and meticulously pack her a diaper bag prior to leaving the house to run errands with my mom. When I became a mom in 2018, I learned about the fierceness of a mother’s love. I experienced firsthand how a mother’s love multiplies, and how there is quite literally nothing I would not do for my two boys.
In honor of Mother’s Day, I thought I’d share with you my Top 10 Favorite parts and moments of being a mother:
- Meeting your child for the very first time – There is just nothing quite like the moment where you meet your child for the very first time. I remember this moment vividly – the doctor saying “he’s here!” and feeling instant love upon seeing our children for the very first time. If I could rewind time and live this moment over again, I absolutely would in a heartbeat.
- The “buzzy” feeling when your child accomplishes something great – As our children age, it is so neat to watch them accomplish things, especially when you know the hard work, determination and effort that went into it. That “buzzy” high I get watching my child accomplish something they’ve been working hard towards is such a feeling of pride, and I love it!
- The Newborn Scrunch – I used to love picking my infants up as they scrunched into a little ball! I was so sad when it ended, but that sadness ended once they began doing…
- The “toddler flop” – I love to hold my youngest when he is just waking up for the day, totally supported by me.. He’ll lay his head on my shoulders and tuck his arms between us, and I love holding him that way.
- Random hand holds and “I love yous” – When your child reaches for your hand or spontaneously says “I love you,” I always think how in that random moment, they must really think it.
- Wondering about the future – I don’t want to rush a single aspect of my children’s childhood, but I do love picturing them as teens and adults. I wonder about their personalities, interests, future jobs, and future relationships. I love to wonder if my oldest child’s interest in nature will lead to a future career, or if my youngest will still love to sleep in as a teenager. Time will tell!
- Laughing with them – I love when my oldest cracks a joke, or my youngest says something that is really funny. It’s so fun to giggle with them and be silly.
- Family vacations – It is so great to getaway with your family, no matter the length of time or destination. Being able to focus completely on making family memories without the distractions of daily life is one of my very favorite things to do.
- Support and advocacy – It is a scary but amazing thing to know that you are your child’s advocate and main support person. I forget this sometimes, that these beautiful children we created are entrusting us entirely with their childhood; the foundation for the rest of their lives. It is a serious responsibility, and one I don’t take lightly.
- Despite the exhaustion, the intense love – At the end of the night I can feel so exhausted and ready for a break, but simultaneously I’d like to wake my boys up for another hug and a kiss.
Moms, I hope you know that the work we’re doing day in and day out within our four walls is some of the most important work of our lives. Take a minute to give your children a hug and do something for YOU this Mother’s Day – and know that you are appreciated.
