Thanks to Gymboree for sponsoring this conversation. As always, opinions are 100% my own.
As a mom of a 2 1/2 year old and an 11 month old, I’m just in the beginning of this motherhood journey. Here’s my truth – let me know if it resonates with you as well:
It’s messy. When I say messy, I mean, my floors are always dirty. My shirt always has some kind of food remnant on it. My house always looks like a small bomb has gone off or a tornado has gone through it. My hair is about 90% dry shampoo. My mind is even messy – I can’t compose a clear thought for the life of me.
It’s tiring. Oh, is it tiring. I thought I knew the definition of “tired” before I had kids, but I didn’t have a clue. Tired isn’t an adequate word for it – exhaustion is a little bit closer to the truth. It’s not just the sleepless nights, but it’s because you’re fully needed by little people every minute of every hour of every day.
It’s lonely. So much of your day is spent investing in these little kids who just can’t give you the companionship you crave. Play dates help, but the majority of your time as a mom is spent looking into the faces of these babies who need you and only you.
It’s thankless. You don’t get a pat on the back for rocking your baby to sleep for the third time that night. You don’t get a bonus when you successfully potty train your child. You don’t get recognition when you get your toddler to eat their vegetables.
Motherhood is hard. It’s messy, tiring, lonely, and thankless. But this may be the only time in your life that you are your child’s entire world. They don’t have the words to say this, but…
You’re their hero. Every time you rescue their ball from the tree, reach something from that high cabinet, or make the basket from across the room – you’re solidifying your hero status.
You’re their safe place. You kiss away what hurts, wipe away their tears, and they trust you with their whole heart.
You’re their guide. They’re watching you. Every moment of every day. That’s terrifying! I pray every single day that my actions can point them towards Jesus, because the saying is so true that “more is caught than taught”. I pray they catch even the smallest glimpse of God’s love through mine.
You’re theirs. Mommy. There is no substitute. You’re it. As tiring and scary as that is, it’s also the highest honor. Motherhood is an incredible calling that has us put our children’s needs above our own all day every day. What an incredible gift, what a daunting task, and what a high calling. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never cried harder, laughed louder, or loved deeper than I have while being a mom to my babies.
So happy Mothers Day, mommas. Grab up your kids in the biggest hug while you can still fit them comfortably on your lap. Enjoy this stage, because it will be gone before we know it. Find joy in every day, because there’s so much to be joyful about in this messy stage of life!
Thanks to Gymboree for these adorable outfits – and for reminding us to embrace the joy in this journey (share your #OneBigHappy moments across social media)
We’ll be wearing these outfits while we celebrate Mother’s Day with my own mom, because when you’re 30 and a mom to little ones, you sometimes just want to hang out with your own mom. 🙂
Enter to win $50 for your littles to Gymboree!
Thanks again to Gymboree for sponsoring this conversation. As always, opinions are 100% my own.
Jenny V. says
Well said!
The hardest and most rewarding job on the planet!!
Grammie says
You nailed it! Being a Mom is the best thing…and the hardest! Hang in there…they love you and need you. You are doing an amazing job! Your two are the sweetest kids!
Kelsey says
Right now – the peacefulness of her first morning feeding. especially if she gave me enough time to make coffee first! My girls a slow eater. I just embrace it and enjoy the cuddles. 🙂
Julie says
Preach girl! The thank you’s and the appreciation will come much later in life. I only know this because I’m about to have my first and thinking about all the stuff I have to do, I have been thanking and appreciating my mother through this whole process! You’re doing a great job and don’t forget it!
Lauren says
My greatest joy is watching my kid’s laugh. No matter my mood it brings a smile to my face to see them smile and laugh!
Mary Minster says
I definitely agree 100% with the things you said. Being a mom, especially to little ones, is one of the hardest & best jobs I could have. For me, the simplest things are some of the greatest joys of being a mommy- a picture my son made just for me, hearing them say “I love you”, asking to be held or being given extra snuggles, hugs or kisses without having to request them.
Bambi@QueenBtellsall says
So sweet. Rising little ones is one of the hardest and most rewarding times of your life.
Ellen says
Thanks Christina – its so true and such a good reminder to remember the good with the hard times. sometimes its easy to get cought up in the exhaustion and not find joy in all the sweet sweet times. its truly an honor and privilege to be a mom of littles. We are in this together!
Christina says
so true, Ellen! You’re always so positive and you’re such a great momma – I love hanging out with you & your sweet girls!
Julie says
I love experiencing little milestones with my children from seeing them walk, then talk then losing their first tooth, it’s all an amazing experience. Even though we have arguments or may disagree on things, the love we have for each other is just so unique and one that I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Rebecca says
watching them grow is such a 2 sided JOY – you hate to see it go by so fast but then the new precious milestones reached are wonderful also – I have a 13, 10 and 3 yr old
Laurajj says
Oh for me I would say watching them grow and learn new things! So precious and such memories at each new stage.
Ellen Casper says
My joy is waching them finding happiness in the smallest of things and activities.
Ellen Casper says
My joy is waching them finding happiness in the simplest of things and activities.
Deborah Cook says
Wow…so many good points. This grandma agrees
Miranda says
Even though I’m always a mess anymore, and am chaos runs through our house in the form of 2 toddlers and 2 wild oversized dogs.i live for every messy, noisy, unorganized, dirty minute with my blessings. The smile they give when saying momma or playing together is the most rewarding mommy moments I have