Mommy

There was an initial moment after having both of my babies where I just couldn't believe what was happening. Here were these tiny {ok, one of them wasn't so tiny...} little humans that were in me for 9 months and I had no idea 'who' they were. I loved them instantly, yes, but they really were a mystery to me in that moment. I didn't know their quirks, how they liked to be held or how often they would eat {or poop...} That initial feeling was quite daunting to me. Thank goodness babies give grace freely and forget any parenting fails that I may have had.

The moment I held my son, I was relieved that he was here. I had no idea how I could love so much, so quickly. He made me mommy and for that, I am so thankful.

He was such a squishy faced ball of snuggles. Becoming his mommy has taught me so much. Patience, consistency and perseverance on the hard days. Laughter, hugs and sillies on the easy days. Becoming his mommy was so natural. Becoming his mommy was one of the greatest roles I've had the honor to fill. Becoming his mommy has been one of my greatest struggles and greatest stretcher of my faith {and patience...}

I'm challenged daily and continually feel like I'm failing as a mommy {I'm told other moms feel this way. Right? Anyone?} This little boy pushes me to my limits and I feel like I'm on repeat all. day. long. There's this moment every day when I sneak into his room and put his covers back over him. He's usually snuggled up to one of the many stuffed animals peacefully sleeping with a soft, dreamy look on his face. That.

That's what recharges me to tackle the energy sucking task of being his mommy.

The day we brought our little girl home from the hospital the dynamics of our house changed. My attention, time, energy and stamina had to be split between a highly energetic, strong willed, 1000% boy and this tiny, sweet, easy going baby girl. It's a whole new world when there's two. We all fell into this new dynamic pretty effortlessly {probably because she was a pretty easy baby...}

I am so incredibly thankful to God that he chose me to mother these little cuties. Seriously, I could take pictures of them all day long because I just think they are the cutest things in the world.

I am thankful for my husband who continues to encourage me in this role. It really isn't an easy thing to stay at home with little ones. I honestly think staying at home with them takes more out of me than teaching ever did. I'm thankful that he works so incredibly hard and comes home each night to a house full of chaos sometimes with a willing heart and helping hands. He pushes me as a mom and makes me feel like I am supermom {even though most days feel like I'm not doing enough...} He doesn't care that some days he comes home and I'm in sweat pants or the kids are still in their pajamas or our ever present mound of laundry hasn't shrunk. He seriously is my biggest fan and that makes me strive daily to train up our children in truth, with patience.

I am thankful for my mom. She's a rockstar gramma that loves my kids and would drop everything for our family. She is my example. Growing up I remember going to story time at the library, going to the donut shop for a treat and just being at home with her. I may not necessarily remember any 'hard' days but I really remember her being there daily with my brother and I. She makes me believe that staying at home was the best choice for me and for my kids. Thanks mom.

I am thankful for my other mom. My mother in law raised an amazing husband and daddy who loves to spend quality time with his kids. I owe a lot to her and her role in Jeremy's {and my!}  life. She is also a rockstar grammy that also drops everything for her family. Thanks mama.

I am truly blessed to have so many lifting me up daily so that I can train up our children. Most days, I have laundry baskets in the living room waiting to be folded, dishes in the sink, a bathroom that always seems to be needing a cleaning, and a floor that was seriously just cleaned and it needs to be cleaned again. I have always been pretty good at setting aside the 'to-dos' and focus on the fun stuff. Sometimes we spend an hour reading books or snuggling when there are many other things that probably need attention but honestly, I don't care. The older my children get, the more I realize the importance of quality time and truly reaching their hearts daily.

This mommy thing isn't for the faint of heart but it seriously, without a doubt is the greatest blessing. Happy {belated} mother's day, everyone!