Random Thoughts

I can't believe that I will go back to work tomorrow.  It seems like the past 3.5 months have just flown by.  As I think about that time, I've had a few random thoughts that I wanted to share so I would always remember feeling this way.  

In many ways, I think I was born to be a mom.  I never knew that having a child could fill my heart with so much love and bring my life so much joy.  Madison Claire genuinely just makes me happy - all of the time!  I know some skeptics out there think I am sugar coating motherhood but honestly, for me, every time I look at her sweet face..even when she is crying...I am filled with joy.  Most of you who know me well know that I can be pretty high strung and stressed at times.  I would have thought that Madison Claire would have just compounded these traits in me...that her inability to adhere to my schedule & plans would be frustrating beyond belief but I have found the opposite to be true.  She has mellowed me out in so many ways.  It really is unbelievable and if you've spent much time around me as a mom, I think you would agree.

Being a mom has also allowed me to have such a deeper appreciation for my own mom.  She has been such an amazing cheerleader for us our whole lives.  Mom - I appreciate your sacrifices and love for all of us kids.  You were always there for us and created the home environment that allowed us to have such a special relationship growing up.  I know you always credit dad for being such a huge influence in our lives and you are right - he certainly was - but you don't give yourself enough credit either.  I pray with all of my heart that I can be as good, strong, loving, encouraging and fun of a mom as you are!  I don't say it enough but I want you to know how much I admire you and love you.  Thank you for all that you do!

Being a parent is such a responsibility and as Ryan and I think about and pray about raising Madison Claire, we are so thankful for our own parents and how they raised us.  I am thankful to Cheryl & Gary for raising such an incredible husband and now father.  I am also thankful to my parents for fostering such a great sense of family amongst my siblings. 

I continue to be overwhelmed with love for my amazing husband as I watch him be a father to Madison Claire.   When I see his heart melt at her smile and his big, strong arms holding her while she sleeps I fall in love with him all over again.  I feel so blessed - truly to overflowing - that I find myself on the verge of tears of joy almost daily.  God has looked on me with favor and I am so undeserving.  I am thankful and humbled.