I’m overwhelmed at what it has taken to get to my first Mother’s Day, mostly simply overwhelmed with gratitude for all that I have experienced, all that I have learned, and all that I continue to get to experience with Harris and Goldie in my world. You tend to forget all of the hard and remember the joy. That’s the beauty of motherhood.
While laying in bed the other day as I tried to get in a nap while they napped, I thought, “these are the days.” They are the days of sweet smiles of pure joy when my babies see their mama after nap time. They are the days of chubby baby thighs and squeals of delight when they hear the bath water running. They are the days of holding them in my arms as I rock them to sleep when teething doesn’t feel so good, and being the one that comforts them the most. They are bottle washing, diaper changing and extra laundry-doing days. I’m living in the good ‘ol days right here and now. The gift that infertility gave me was that I appreciate it in the here and now. I recognize it right now in this very moment. I won’t have to look back and say that I wish I had appreciated it more because I am fully aware of how wonderful and fleeting it is right in this moment.
This Mother’s Day, I think of the mothers that have lost their precious babies or perhaps never had the opportunity to ever feel the flutter of baby move in their bellies with anticipation. Those mothers that long so deeply to hold a tiny, precious soul in their arms and commit their life to protecting that beautiful gift of life. I’ve been there, and I appreciate their stories and the bravery that it takes to share them. I think each life has a significant purpose, and we can gain wisdom through other’s stories even if we haven’t experienced it ourselves.
I think of all the gifts that my babies have given me and I can say with certainty that I didn’t know true joy until I had the opportunity to sacrifice and give and do all that I could to care for my babies. The difficult pregnancy, the long nights in the beginning, the recovery. Mothers say that they would do it all over again and again a million times, and it’s cliche, but when you have experienced the joy that your children bring, you agree and would do it too without a second thought. Goldie and Harris have etched in my soul with each little precious moment what’s most important in life. Family.
Motherhood is everything; it’s hard and it’s tough and it’s tears and it’s bags under your eyes. It’s pushing through and finding that inner strength that you may not have even been aware of. It’s smiles and kisses, and it’s belly laughs over the silliest sounds and making up songs that have never been sung.
I am humbled and in awe of the sacred role that I have been privileged to step into. Happy first Mother’s Day to me, indeed.
To all of the moms and moms to be, let me and Pampers be among the first to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.
This post is in partnership with and sponsored by Pampers, a brand that I absolutely love and stand behind.
Beautifully said, Jenica! It is so obvious how you adore your sweet babies. I agree–every time I stop to feel frustrated, I just think about how LONG and HARD I prayed for these little lives and it puts it all in perspective. I’m BLESSED to have little babies that need me, that need bottles, that need every ounce of energy I have to give them. I definitely think infertility humbles you, and makes you THAT much more appreciative for these sweet moments. I know I’m going to be registering my twins for kindergarten before I can even blink, so trying to soak up these precious moments. Thank you for continuing to be a bright spot in my day and an inspiration in my life. You handle everything life has thrown at you with such grace and gratitude. You are an incredible woman and momma. I know I don’t “know” you in real life, but I wish I did… because I think we’d be besties :). Enjoy your first Mother’s Day! Boy, have we prayed to be in this “club” and being celebrated this day is truly icing on the cake.
Laura! Your sweet comments made my day. Thank you so much for taking the time to send me such a heartfelt message! What an incredible person you are. I wish we lived closer too 🙂 Happy Mother’s Day to you!!