“…now that I am a mother, I understand what Mother’s Day is about: it’s about looking through our lives and recognizing the act of mothering everywhere we see it, and more than that, recognizing that when any of us mother– when we listen, nurture, nourish, protect–we’re doing sacred work.” – Shauna Niequist
Happy Mother’s Day! This is my first Mother’s Day as a mom (outside of being a #dogmom ?) and I’ve been reflecting on the importance and significance of moms. I just love that quote from Shauna Niequist above, reminding me to recognize mothering all around me.
I’ve shared Mother’s Day posts celebrating my own mom here and here and now that I’m a mom myself, I have so much more appreciation, respect, love and admiration for my mom. And, for the other women in my life who have “mothered” me — my grandma, aunts, mother-in-law, teachers, youth group leaders, older and wiser women, fellow moms, the list goes on and on.
Being a mom is hard, tiring, exhausting and draining. You have less freedom, less personal space, less ability to look put together, less time. The entire world shifts and things change overnight. But, it’s so good. There is more love, more joy, more silliness, more purpose. It might sound cliché, but it’s the most rewarding, humbling, beautiful and fun thing that has happened to me. And seeing the way Lucy looks at me, with so much love and wonder, makes every long night or scream-filled afternoon worth it.
When I was in Ohio, the super talented Suzy snapped some photos of us together. I never really thought about getting professional photos done with Lucy, but am so so happy I have these. They are so special and make me so happy. ? I just had to share!
Happy Mother’s Day, mamas! ✨
All photos by Suzy Lynn Photography