Motherhood. Oh, if I could tell you everything I thought about motherhood I think I could write a book, or two, or even three! There are so many women who have already done that though. Mothers who are more experienced, Mothers who have seen more than me, Mothers who have been through more than me. I don’t claim to be an expert in this field, because let’s face it I am still so so brand new to this wild journey. I am only on day 241 of this crazy adventure. And by the way, they really nailed it on the head when they print the saying, “Let the adventure begin” on little baby onesies. Let me tell you, I had no idea how crazy, yet amazing and beautiful this wild adventure would truly be.
Whether you are a new mom, a seasoned vet promoted to Grandma, a mom to be, or even a future mom praying to be with-child, this letter is for you. This is for all the women out there who know what I am talking about when I say Motherhood is tough, but honey, we’re tougher!
Motherhood is sweet. Motherhood is selfless. Honey, Motherhood is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’ve done some hard things in my 26 years of life. I’ve ran a half marathon, I’ve walked on a broken ankle, I’ve danced in point shoes for recitals with bloody toes, I’ve gone through rigorous physical dance training in my collegiate years, I’ve been through broken and cheating relationships, I’ve survived sleepless hours at the library in order to pass my Registered Dietitian exam, I’ve held my husband’s hand in support while he underwent brain surgery, yet I still think Motherhood takes the cake (and all the buttercream frosting) on the hardest thing I’ve ever done. However, hands down, it truly is the most rewarding, most gratifying and soul nurturing thing you can experience. It’s messy, yet it’s soothing for the soul. It’s exhausting, yet it’s rejuvenating for the heart. Motherhood is all together beautiful.
As mothers, we wait nine long months to bring life into the world without knowing what to really expect. Some mothers read books on what to expect, others (like myself) just decide to wing it as they go along. I had my own plans and my own dreams of who our little baby girl would be and how she and I would coexist so perfectly. I had plans that she would so kindly let me go about my usual routine and her naps would coincide perfectly with my work schedule. I assumed this only because I wasn’t realistic at all in my expectations. However, I’m quickly learning that it’s not about what I can control, but rather how I can let loose and let her show me what she needs as she grows. My role as a mother is to be her provider, her motivator, her coach, her influencer, and hopefully one day, her role model.
New life is such a beautiful thing to witness, to see the world how she sees it. Without the pain and suffering we’ve experienced, to know there is anything but magic and pure goodness in people. Motherhood has these moments of pure awe and when they come about, I love to wade through the waters of sweet thoughts. But let’s not forget the other crazy moments. It wouldn’t be motherhood without the thrown tantrums for no apparent reason, food spillage, milk spit-ups, diaper blow outs, crying all-nighters, zero privacy, hair loss, body changes, and of course those crazy hormone emotions! Sorry fellas.
Motherhood is charming. It’s laugh-out-loud hilarious throughout the amateur improv skits your child acts out in front of you. I find myself laughing at the little things, the way she explores new food and new textures. The way she furrows her brow and becomes so serious when it’s not what she expected. I laugh when she sticks out her tongue and pants like a puppy dog, or squeals with excitement like a little bird. There’s not a day that goes by when I don’t have a good laugh at our precious girl, and I think that’s exactly why they say Motherhood is sweet. It gives you an endless supply of laughter and happiness, in the purest form.
Motherhood is tough. Let’s face it, motherhood is not a walk in the park with a parasol and a puppy. It’s more like clumsily stomping through a circus with a monkey. However, the expectation that life will be perfect with a newborn or baby is obsurd and shouldn’t be entertained. The best ‘mom’ advice I could give anybody is learn to let go and laugh a bit more, enjoy the messy and sometimes sticky moments, snuggle a little deeper and longer, throw the previously cherished schedules out the window, and live in the moment- for these are the moments that truly count. Time is precious and one day you’ll wish you had it back, so for now even when you think Motherhood is tough, honey, we’re tougher!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing, self-less, tough, and strong mothers out there! The world is a better place because of you and although you will never hear it enough, we appreciate everything you do on a daily basis. Keep loving on those babies, no matter how old they get- for one day your baby will become a Mother and she’ll appreciate everything you did for her.
I love you Mom, you’ve made me a better mom because of your love.
All photos used were taken by Angel Owns Photography– all rights reserved.
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