My day has been hectic.
Trying to finish up homework.. which is still yet completed, had to drive across town to sign papers, drive back to our side of town and then down some to go grocery shopping at Costco- which is stressful all on its own.
The Dutchman (my jeep) decided it wasn't going to start while loading up from our Costco trip, had to wait for a ride, put groceries away and hope they are still good after sitting out for so long (We've decided to take that challenge! We maaaay get food poisoning.) , get the Jeep towed, throw myself together in 10 minutes for a baby shower across town at 6, get home about 9:30 to hang out with my husband and get some "sleep." Of course, this is all filled in with feeding, playing, cuddling, and changing diapers all day.

But am I sleeping? No. Brynlee decided 11 was a good time to get up for awhile. Now it's 12:30 she is happy and wide awake. During one of her adventures (crawling and climbing all over the house) she broke a light bulb in her lamp so I had to vacuum and sweep the floor- sorry neighbors! I've folded laundry, done the dishes, broke down boxes from the grand Costco trip. Annnnnd it doesn't look like my day will be ending any time soon.
Also, friends- If you ever wonder why I leave our girls nights so early... this is why! hah!

Now it is technically Mother's Day, and I've more than paid my dues as a new mom to be part of this holiday.

I've changed diapers in awkward situations and when my kid is on the go.
I've been up for days.
I learned that watching her learn new things is the most awesome thing in the world.
I've cuddled, kissed, hugged, cried, laughed SO much and sometimes all at the same time.
I've been constantly criticized about the things I do with her and wanted to punch a few people in the throat- family and not.
I've wondered myself if I was doing things right and if I could be a better mother.
I've been a superwoman functioning on little to no sleep.
I've take the one trip into the house carrying loads of bags to a new level with adding a diaper bag and baby- great work out haha!

Also, I got the stretch marks to prove it!

Over the years I've given my mom hell. Pure hell. I was a bad kid, sassy preteen, and horrible teenager. My mom put up with a LOT from me and during those years I would swear to you everything was her fault not mine.

But as I sit on the floor playing with my own sassy little 9 month old trouble maker I wonder how many times my own mom had to do this with me growing up? How many times did I just not stop crying and made her completely overwhelmed? How many nights did she give up her own sleep after a long day just to hang out with me? Countless, I'm sure.
And obviously she had a ton of great moments too, because I mean, come on. I'm a hoot!

This Mother's day has been a humbling experience to my own in realizing I've never given my mom enough appreciation for what she has done for me over the years. I could never fathom how much she loved me. How much she cared for me. How much she did for me day in and day out. Until this year. My first Mother's Day and my first year as a mother. 


Being a mother is hard work. It's trying, scary, sacrificing, fun, beautiful. But most of all, hard. I have learned so much by being a mother. I'll admit at times I use to be very selfish and  very unemotional- I've never had to care for anyone other than myself, but over this year I've become so selfless and such an emotional mess it is insane. No matter how many nights of sleep and other things I have to sacrifice... this is the most wonderful thing I've ever done. And it's okay if my little one doesn't understand how much work I put into being her mom, I wouldn't change it for the world. Every moment, laugh, cry, smile- worth it. SO worth it.

So, mom. I'm sorry for all those hard and crazy years I put you through. Never taking into consideration how much you've done for me. Never giving you the right amount of appreciation you deserve for raising and molding me into who I am today. For all the times I've been careless or didn't say thank you. I'll say it now- thank you. Thank you for staying up late nights with me, kissing cuts and bruises, listening to me, helping me with homework, yelling at me when I was acting like a fool, steering me in the right direction, and helping me become my own person. You are very, very much appreciated. And I love you! I finally understand.

Everyone, tell your mommas how much you love them today and spoil them! Don't let them lift a finger. Even though they will be, secretly, because a mother's work is never done and you just never know everything a mother will do for you. The day is never over.

And mom's, great work out there. We are all awesome and we are all doing great jobs. Never forget it!

Do we get a cool cape and tights for this job?

Happy Mother's Day!