Mother's Day

This morning I'm coming off of vacation-high. We spent the weekend with Ian's family in Northern California where we frolicked (literally) on the beach, ate incredible food, and enjoyed some long-overdue time with extended family.Being that yesterday was Mother's Day (and Ian's birthday!), I felt extra loved and special as I travelled with my little family.

This year Mother's Day felt different than last. Last year I felt like I hadn't quite grown into my title of Mother. This year, though, I have settled in and feel more deserving of that grand title.

Having eighteen months under my belt (I know that still qualifies me as a newbie in this sorority of mamas), I am more comfortable with my role as Malia's mom. Not only that, I think I am just more comfortable with myself.

This entire process of growing a baby, delivering that baby and then nurturing said baby is a shock to one's systems. I don't resemble that girl eighteen months ago who had such a rosy and hopeful outlook of mothering. Looking back, I think I was a bit arrogant too. My daydreams of everything from Malia's birth to breastfeeding to sleep to my relationship with my husband turned out a lot different than how things actually played out.

That said, I've had a year and half to adjust. I think that's largely what this whole gig is about -- adjusting to the daily ebbs and flows of life.

I realized yesterday as Ian and I took turns chasing Malia around the airport, I feel pretty well adjusted in my role as a Mother. I've learned that I can't control everything, especially the choreography of my very spirited little girl. That's been my biggest lesson learned this year.

I couldn't help but glow as I watched her smile and say hello to strangers or squeal with glee and say "airplane!" as each new plane arrived at our gate. What made me happiest, though, was the feel of her petal-soft hand as she reached for mine as we walked.

There were a number of moms and babies on our flight yesterday. I felt a strong sense of sisterhood with those other women as we ushered our kiddos onto the plane. I watched those sweet little faces snuggle into their mama's necks, touch their faces, hold their hands. I feel pretty proud and blessed to be a member of this community, this sisterhood of mothers.

A late Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful, inspiring, loving mommas! I'm excited to see what lessons are in store for the coming year.

Hope you all had a great weekend. Cheers to a new week! xoH