In honor of Mother's Day

Thanks to a new friend I've made via blogging, I have been tagged to name my top 5 things I love about being a mother. I have always thought about what I have liked best or have learned most since Emalyn was born....and every time I give up thinking about it because I never seem to articulate it well enough, or clear enough. Due to this "challenge" I will make my very best attempt!

1) I love how I can see characteristics of myself, and my husband, in Emalyn. I have always had a pretty negative view of myself from the continual comments from others that I am "____" (You can fill it in with any of the following: moody, feisty, tempermental, mouthy, etc.) While I definitely do not deny that I can be any of these things (who isn't at times?), people don't always come out and say-friendly, contemplative, a quick-study, thoughtful, etc.
Thank you Emalyn for building my self-esteem in ways I never knew you would/could.

2) I love knowing that God planned for us to be mother and daughter. My friend, Heidi, spoke at my church baby shower and said, "[God] chose you as the perfect mom for this little one." Of course, with help from my crazy preggo hormones-I lost it. I cannot fathom that she and I were made for each other. And I'm only just starting to get to know my little girl. She is so strong, so determined, so intentional. And I will have the rest of my life to get to know her even better.

3) I love being part of the club. The motherhood club. We may all do it differently and sometimes judge each other for doing so, but somehow, we're all doing it. Good for us.

4) I love coming home to my husband and Emalyn-my little family. She ALWAYS smiles and laughs when she sees me...EVERYDAY. Okay, so I am sure this will end. But, this is motherhood for me NOW. And if I write it down, that means I will remember it clearer later. I really, really don't want to forget.

5) I love our intimate moments. When we used to nurse...when Emmy leans her forehead against mine and leaves it there for a while... or she wraps her little arm around my neck and squeezes...when she falls alseep on my chest. There's nothing like it.


Where the time went, I'll never know.