A Note on Motherhood

"Happy Mother's Day," was whispered in a hushed and giddy toddler voice as I rolled over on my pillow this past Sunday.  And I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since. 

In addition to the many things that changed in our lives in the past few months, perhaps the biggest change for me has been deciding to push the pause button on working outside the home.

Being a stay at home mom is a change, a leap of faith, a vocation unlike any other—this rich and sweet season of my life is perhaps myopic in focus, but endlessly tender. 

While sitting at my desk, I used to ache for these moments-- the only-mama-can-help-moments, the growing-up-before-your-eyes-moments, the muddy-knees-moments, the bleary-eyes-just-after-a-nap-moments. 

I vowed to slow down.  I vowed to pick up my camera more.  I vowed to cherish the days of watching childhood unfold.

And now the moments are here.  It was as we celebrated mother’s day this year and I heard that little voice on my pillow that it was pushed to the forefront of my mind.

There are days when homesickness feels like a tangible cloud.  But there isn’t a day that I would change my new focus. 

I hold these moments dear.  I cherish their simplicity.  I document them because in harder times, these moments of motherhood will be my harbor. 

To my own mother, who always allowed me to feel her joy in being mom and to the other wonderful mothers in my life, I am so thankful for your example.  For it may be the hardest job in the world, but the moments of joy are unparalleled. 

xx