Mother's Day

Last weekend I got to celebrate my first mother's day with my girl in this world and not just in the belly! What a beautiful day it was. Paul got me a hand stamped ring with Stella's name on the front, birth date on the back and "my sunshine" on the inside. It's beautiful and I love the thought that went into it.

On Sunday we dedicated Stella at church. It was a great service and a very special moment for me, Paul and all those that have prayed with us since the moment we found out we were expecting our little blessing. We didn't really get to celebrate mother's day that day so we went for a nice walk in the park early this week to celebrate. All the magnolia trees were in bloom, my favourite trees. Some day we will get one, when we are in our forever home, to commemorate our angel babies. It was nice to get some photos of mama and Stella with the beautiful trees.

Mother's day is always emotional whether you so badly want to be a mama, are expecting, have adopted a babe, have many babies, have lost babies, lost your mom or love your momma with all your heart. I can't help but think of the other babies that aren't here with us on this day. That being said, I am so grateful for Stella! Motherhood has been a surprise to me. I always thought I would be a natural, and in ways I am, but for the most part I would say it's hard. Everyday presents new challenges all while being beyond exhausted. It's also more rewarding than I ever could have imagined. All the stress and frustration can melt away with one sweet little smile. It has taught me to have infinite grace for myself. This is the only way to make it through the days, or should I say nights.

 Blogging is hard, my food is either cold, eaten way too quickly or in three attempts, we've had pizza more times then I can even count in the last four months, my living room floor looks like a baby gear maze, I now have perma bags under my eyes, I'm lucky if I wear jeans twice a week, my hair is in a bun 24/7 otherwise it gets ripped out by the handful, I now have stacks of batteries just in case her favourite toy dies (and it takes 3 batteries... what's up with that?), I can't even remember what it feels like to have a purse and I'm currently trying to sleep on the couch with the panicking dog so she won't wake the baby. Life sure is different now but I wouldn't trade it for the world!