It's
been nine months since I held my baby for the first time. Officially a mother,
bragging rights and all. I didn't go through natural childbirth (Eliana was a
c-section), but I had my share of contractions and hospital horror stories to receive
my badge of honor. I was just talking to my sister the other day about the
labors of her two children. Each one hard in different ways. Unique, but
similar; terrifying, but inspiring. I always used to think the worse you had it
at the hospital, ("40 hours of active labor!") the more of a mom you
were. It's only now I realize that every crazy birthing story yields the same
result. One day you don't have a kid, the next day you do. Bam. A mother.
There
are no degrees of labor that can change your motherhood. No "I pushed
harder" or "my labor lasted longer" or "my recovery was
worse." That's just the beginning. An important piece of the puzzle, but by
no means the whole story. Still, I love listening to people talk about birth.
It's like watching a suspense movie. You're at the edge of your seat, hoping
everyone survives! And still, the best is yet to come.
Eliana
has been on this earth for 9 months and has not gone a single day without making me
laugh. Her favorite thing to do is stare at me, clench her entire body, and
scream at the top of her lungs. Then I laugh at her, and she laughs at me. It's
a fantastic little exchange. I just hope my neighbors don't mind. ;) Life with
my baby isn't always puppies and rainbows, (some days she cries if I leave the
room, and doesn't stop ... ever ... until I return) but I am grateful for the mommy/baby
time working from home gives us. Eliana is loving and sensitive just like her
mommy, but she is also crazy and funny just like her dad. Her personality is
really starting to show, and I love the little lady she is turning out to be!
Today
I thought about my mother, and how she raised 5 kids. Each one a ball of energy and
crazier than the next. Each one under the age of 6 when the last one came
around. How. Did. She. Do. It? I still have no clue. Eliana is a full time job.
A FULL time job and she's just one! I can't imagine 2 kids let alone 5!
But here we go again. I am no less of a mother than my mother was. Sure ...
she's like a superhero mom, but I'm a mom just the same. And what about those
moms who adopt or foster? No birthing story for them, but they are moms through
and through!
These
many scenarios have been fascinating me as I think about Mother's Day. My
husband mentioned getting me a gift, and I didn't know for what occasion. I'm a
sucker for Hallmark holidays, but Mother's Day wasn't even on my radar. When he
reminded me, I immediately started comparing myself to my mom, and my sisters,
and even friends my age who are having babies. I didn't know how I
could be considered in the same group as these warrior women. How could a
newbie like me be celebrated? I guess I have to remind myself how uniting
motherhood can be. Each family unique, but similar. Being a mom is terrifying,
but inspiring.
Eliana
is my badge of honor. Everywhere I take her, or when we cozy up at home, I find
myself looking at her in disbelief. I can't quite understand how she's mine, or
how her father and I made this little being. What a blessing she is. What a
miracle. She's growing up strong and changing our lives and I only have our
Lord to thank. Here's to the faithful mothers, young and old. To the ones with
1 or the ones with 10. To the labor horror stories and the adoption paperwork
nightmares. Here's to you, Moms. :) Happy Mother's Day.
xoxo
Liz
