You Never Know Until You Are

You know the saying "You never know until you try"?

Well, it's true.

Although, sometimes I'd rather not know, never know or just think I am right and therefore there is no need to try. 

Especially when it comes to certain foods!

I feel like being a mom, understanding other moms and valuing and appreciating your mom is something you don't fully understand until you "try"...until you are one. 

This is technically my first Mother's Day. We celebrated a little last year when I was pregnant, but this year being a mom is different. My love for Adalyn now far exceeds the love I had for her in my womb. 

Which was a lot, by the way. 

Through these short, and extremely fast, 5 months that I have been a mom, my own love and appreciation for my mom, my mother in law and my grandmothers has increased. You see them in a different light- a new perspective.

 I am so thankful I am able to experience that. 

All in addition to a new spiritual perspective. A greater understanding of the love that God has for his children. I greater appreciation for the obedience and faith that Abraham had when he was going to sacrifice his son.

 Could I do that?!?! 

A couple days I was going through my baby calendar that my mom had for me. I am so so thankful that she took the time to write each milestone down my first year- at just the young age of 17. I am so thankful that she cared, that she valued those milestones- even the silly ones. 

I am forever grateful that she chose life. 

My life. 

I am thankful for the sacrifices that she made, and I am so thankful for that fact that she also chose joy. She didn't wallow in her new life, she embraced it. 

She noticed the details. 

This time of year I am always reminded and thankful for my Mother-in-law. For her and her husband who did a fantastic job of raising Mr. B. A man who is a hard worker, who values his family, who values the importance of letting me stay home with our child, who is a man after God's heart, who treated me with respect from day one. A man who loves his daughter and prays for her and her heart daily, who always strives to be the best.

 A lot of who he is is because of her. 

Taking the time to love, pray and demonstrate how a godly man should live. 

I am also thankful for the 4 great grandma's that Adalyn has. 

Some near, some far. She is surrounded by so much love. 

{She will be meeting Mr. B's Grandma this summer!}

The sacrifice.

The responsibility.

The balance.

The frustration.

The joy.

The overwhelming unconditional love.

The dependence on the Lord- knowing you can only do so much. 

I am thankful for their validation that I am doing a good job, the encouraging words that I am making them proud, the unexpected gifts "just because", the support, prayers and advice that come when needed. 

I now get the frustration of staying home all day, cleaning, cooking, laundry and child-rearing... only to have it messy again. I understand the need for feedback- for appreciation. To be told "thank you". To be told "You're beautiful", even when you haven't showered and are still wearing your PJs. 

I understand the deep love and the desire for only the best.

 The protection.

 I get it. 

I know as Adalyn grows I will learn more, my love will continue to grow and my understanding and my appreciation will continue to increase with each passing year.

 I am thankful for the opportunity to be a mom and to learn so many things in so many different areas of my life through this one very special "job".

And I am so blessed and so thankful that I never stop learning from the amazing moms in my life.