20:52:motherhood

Being a mother of one 13 month old - this year has taught me a lot about myself and my role as a mother. I had no idea what I wanted to do for this week - as motherhood can be shown and seen in so many different ways. My husband and I were playing scrabble this afternoon while our daughter slept - and the idea came to lay out some of what motherhood is to me and how I define it. I could not fit everything I wanted to (for instance: blessed came to mind!) due to lack of tiles and not enough board space! Being a mother started not at the birth of our daughter, but from the moment we found out I was pregnant. She is the greatest gift and although it's hard, and it's a sacrifice at times (how many times I would have loved a new pair of jeans, or a new camera lens - but a car seat or a random Dr's appointment came first!) - I wouldn't have it any other way. New skill development - crawling, walking, first words - amaze me every single time. Every "first" is another gift you receive as a parent. Some on here are not as clear. I put tear because there were many tears shed over not only frustration with sleep deprivation, but with how amazing it is that we created this little human who trusts us by instinct, to do what is right and best for her. We are the role models that will pave the way for her future, and her success in life. And that is so scary and so thrilling at the same time.
I could go on and on about what motherhood is to me. And this scrabble board is only the tip of it all. But it's a start to a never-ending journey that I have been incredibly blessed to be able to take.