Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day (tomorrow) to all the mamas out there. I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating you! You deserve it!

Since it is the eve of Mother’s Day, I want to share two pictures that are very special to me as a mother. The first is of Ava nursing when she was 2 days old, and the second is of Julian nursing for the very first time. (A big thanks to my midwife for snapping that picture. I wish I had one of Ava nursing for the first time, but I don’t think that I do.)

When I look at the picture of Ava and I, I feel warmth, love and peace. When I look at the picture of Julian and I, I feel love and pure joy.

Nursing my children has been one of the most amazing experiences for me. When I am holding them close as they are nuzzled up to my breast, I feel like they are perfectly safe and secure. All is right in the world and nothing can touch them as long as they are in my embrace. I love that feeling.

It will be all too soon that they start venturing out to do things on their own.

Ava is starting a preschool/enrichment-type program in a few short weeks, and while I know she is ready and I am too, part of me wishes I could always keep her safe in my arms. Yet I know I must set her free to grow wings of her own.

And Julian bonked his head for the first time this week when he toppled over from a sitting position and into the exersaucer. I wish I could protect him from all of the bumps and bruises he will get in his life’s journey, but I know those bumps and bruises will help define who he grows up to be.

Becoming a mother has been such an amazing, life-altering experience. It has it’s ups and downs and is loaded with challenges, but it’s such a privilege to watch these little people grow, learn and love. Every day is special. Every day is something new.

I love this quote by Elizabeth Stone…

“Making the decision to have a child - it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart walking around outside your body.”

I feel truly blessed to be a mother.

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