Happy Mother's Day!

May 24, 2010

I was watching the movie Motherhood yesterday and in the movie, the mom has a chance to submit an essay on what motherhood means to her. This got me thinking, especially as I watched Jordan and thought about what it meant to be his mother. What does motherhood mean to me? Keep in mind, that my life as a mother has only been in existence for 14 1/2 months :)

Motherhood is complex and full of emotions. Motherhood is something that you will never fully understand yet at the same time, you will embrace it completely without hesitation. The fears you had before your child was born is replaced by the fears you have as your child grows into their own. You learn to step back and watch as the child you love so dearly learns to do things on their own, even when it means watching them step off the curb and face plant onto the asphalt parking lot (true story, happened today). Motherhood is full of joy and laughter, tears and heartache. The tears in the beginning when you felt so overwhelmed and unsure of how to take care of this precious little one that is utterly dependent on you. The joy in being a mother, when others delight in your child. The laughter that bubbles over when your child laughs with you, for a child's laughter is the most beautiful sound. The heartache in knowing that no matter how much you try, you cannot always protect them from being hurt. 

It's when a chubby little hand reaches for yours, in complete faith that you will guide them in the right way, and be by their side as they learn to navigate the world on their own. 

Motherhood means days where you just want to get in the car, drive who knows where , turn the windows down and blast some music. Then there are days when your little one squeals in delight when they see you and comes running into your arms to give you a hug. The smile on their face makes up for the days of teething, sleepless nights, spilled cups on the floor, tripping on toys everywhere you step, and massively poopy diapers.

Motherhood is a journey - it's not easy but it is by far the most rewarding journey I've ever partaken in.