Friday, May 11, 2012

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. 

9 comments:

Mrs. C. said...

what a beautiful post.

Unknown said...

This is a beautiful post! I hope you enjoy your first Mother's Day! :)

Come stop by! Feel free to contact me about featuring your wedding on my site.

Unknown said...

This is a beautiful post! I hope you enjoy your first Mother's Day! :)

Come stop by! Feel free to contact me about featuring your wedding on my site.

Mrs. Mama said...

such a beautiful post with so many beautiful women in it.

happy mothers day love!

Anonymous said...

Love your post! Your little girl is precious.

Kelley said...

Not sure how I came across your blog, but I love this post! So true. Being a mom is the best and I can only hope to do as good of a mom as my mom. I have a 9 month old little girl that we adopted. She is such a blessing, and we're so thankful that God trusted us with her! Hope you enjoy your first mothers day weekend!

Anna & Kirby said...

sweet post... Happy Mother's Day!

amber said...

The part about your mom having you at 17 and being thankful she chose life really struck me. My mom also had me when she was only 17 and I've always felt the same way. I have an almost 18 month old daughter now and I'm 29. I can't imagine having done it at 17. It makes me so much more grateful and makes me realize even more what a brave, strong woman my mom is.

josehilary said...

Hi there! I stumbled upon your blog through Kelly's Korner SYUL Link Up. You have a beautiful family :) I was wondering where do you buy all of Adalyn's pretty headbands? I'm expecting my first baby girl in June and I'd love to get some for her!