I need to write a dedication post. To Moms. And in particular, my Moms. Yes, I have two.
The first has been my Mom for a whopping 24 years and 8 months! (Plus 9 months of caring for me during pregnancy which should totally count.) And wow, what a woman. As long as I can remember, she has taken the best care of me I could possibly imagine! I remember sick days as a kid, and she'd cover the couch in a sheet, and bring down all my favorite pillows, and get me all comfy cozy. Then turn on movie after movie for me, and make me anything I requested to eat all day long. How could I not want to be sick for a month? And she wasn't only there when I was physically ill, but when I had hurt feelings too. I know I've cried to her more than anyone else, and she has always had the right words to comfort me. She's a fabulous cook, a walking dictionary, and a great example. She has a great perspective on life, and constantly reminds me that we are working towards something greater while we are here in our mortal lives. She is one of the most compassionate people I know, always keeping people's feelings in mind (in even the smallest matters), following stories of those who are sick and praying for them, and reaching out and sharing the gospel with those around her. She is an amazing lady, and I sure hope she puts in a good word for me when she gets to the celestial kingdom!
My second mom is a special lady as well. I've been lucky enough to be called a daughter of hers for almost 3 years. She is awesome. She's also got a list of admirable qualities that can go on for days. She is probably the best listener I have ever met. Whether it's a conversation with myself, an 80 year old man, or a kindergartener, she is all over any story you have to share. And she makes you feel like it is the most important thing she's heard all year! Her laugh is contagious, and is usually the way you can tell she's on her way down the hall. Love it. She is so mindful of everyone else, I wonder if she ever thinks about herself? She is so conscientious of other people's time, situations, and what other plans they may have, that she is constantly offering something before we even know we need it! She has the best stocked refrigerator in the whole state. (We're not sure she's accepted the fact that Devin has moved out yet...) And she raised a fabulous son that I can't thank her enough for!
Aside from the very small tidbits I've let you in on about these ladies, there a million other reasons why I love them! I've gotten a small glimpse these last 7 weeks into the lifetime of work they've done for their children! Nothing could be more priceless. I am loving being a mom, but it is by far the most work I have ever done! Not to mention, I could not have made it through the first 2 weeks of motherhood without their help. I love the David O. McKay quote, "No other success could compensate for failure in the home." Both of these women have raised righteous children and there couldn't be a greater tribute to their names.
A quote that was shared last week in sacrament (on Mother's Day) was from J. Reuben Clark, saying this, motherhood is "as divinely called, as eternally important in its place as the Priesthood itself." That really hit me. Wow, being a mother is SO important! I am so lucky. I know this may all sound a little cheesy, but I swear there is not enough time in a day to love on my little Reagan as much as I wish I could! I sit there feeding her or just holding her, thinking "Okay, I have to hurry and memorize every little thing about her right in this moment, because in an instant it is going to change!" I love kissing her soft full cheeks, her warm round tummy and her cute little toesies! Her smiles make me melt, and I love when she does one so big I swear her eyes smile! When she is about to cry and she puts out that little bottom lip, it is so sad, but so dang cute too! She loves the mirror, and stares into it every chance she gets. She is so good at tummy time, and holds her neck up like a champ already! She makes any outfit cute just by being in it. Her little ears have kind of a" scallop" of cartilage at the very top, and I think it is the most darling feature. Her long fingers and toes curl around anything, and it's my favorite when she holds my finger while she eats. Her little hair has grown a ton and is so bunny soft, I can't help but stroke it all the day long. She probably wonders why I touch her head so much! Oh, I love her. I love love love her. Being a mom is so much different than I expected, and absolutely the best thing I have ever done! I sure hope I can keep in mind the short years I have to raise my children, and always treat it like the privilege it is. Having two great Moms to look up to is a huge help! Happy belated Mother's Day to all the moms out there!
And to my own, thank you and I love you!!!
(One last note: If you're interested, I just read this fabulous article that seems to capture the essence of motherhood exactly! These women are outstanding writers. http://segullah.org/dance-with-them/dance-with-them-editors-introduction/)
30 weeks
34 weeks