Mother's Day

I always knew I wanted to be a mom. I've loved babies for as long as I can remember, and when my sister had her first baby I remember rocking him and singing to him and dreaming of the day I would have my own little one. Becoming a mom has been the most emotional, incredible, life-altering experience. It has changed my world in so many wonderful ways. I knew I wanted to be a mom, but I didn't know how intense my love for my child would be. I knew I wanted a baby, but I didn't know how much joy that baby would bring to my life. I couldn't anticipate the jumble of raw emotions I would feel the first time I saw Brady, and the love I've had for him since that moment that somehow manages to grow every single day. Nothing could prepare me for becoming a mom. It induces happiness that doesn't even seem possible.

Meeting my baby. September 22, 2013

Meeting my mama. April 11, 1984

Since Mother's Day is approaching, I've heard a lot of stories on the radio about moms and what an important role we play in the happiness of our kids and families. I've always admired my mom and have said more than a few times that if I can grow up to be half the mom she is to me and my siblings then I'll be doing pretty good, but it is only now that I'm a mom that I can begin to comprehend the love she has for us and the things she's sacrificed for us.

Painting our nails together. August 1986

Hugs for my mama. 1987

So here's to you, Mom. For all the diapers you've changed, the tears you've wiped, the laughs you've caused, the lessons you've taught, the meals you've prepared... you are amazing. For the sleepless nights, the books you've read on repeat, the hours spent rocking me to sleep... you do it best. For giving me my first haircut, for braiding my hair every Friday before football games, for meticulously applying my makeup on my wedding day... thank you. There is no one like you, Mom. I know now that everything you do is out of love for your family, and I admire that more than you know. I love you so much and am so incredibly lucky that you're my mom. I'm so thankful to have you by my side, guiding me gently as I navigate this new phase of my life - the best one yet. If I can be half the mom you are, then I'm doing pretty good.

Helping me get ready for my wedding. October 15, 2011

Monitoring contractions. September 22, 2013

Meeting Brady for the first time. September 22, 2013

Happiness with Brady. January 2014

She is the glue that holds this family together. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

October 15, 2011