This past weekend, we celebrated Mother’s Day in our home—a day filled with love, laughter, and a touch of delightful chaos. With our little whirlwind, Sadie, at the center of it all, I found myself reflecting on the mother I am today and the mother I’m becoming. It was a heartwarming reminder that motherhood isn’t just about the big moments; it’s the everyday giggles, tantrums, and cuddles that truly make this experience meaningful.
This year felt like a unique gift: Brandon stepped up to handle all the household duties, allowing me to truly savor our time together. One of my favorite moments was when he playfully chased Sadie and I around our home, her delighted squeals filling the air as we darted from room to room. When Brandon finally caught us, he wrapped his arms around us like a cozy blanket, and we all laughed and hugged one another. Those moments of pure joy and connection were far sweeter than any bouquet of flowers or box of chocolates.
This weekend, I simply didn’t want to miss a single giggle or discovery, so I set my device aside and immersed myself in the joy of being with my family, fully embracing my role as a mom. As I watched Sadie zoom around, her laughter echoing through the house, I felt grateful to be present for these charming moments. Her eyes sparkled with excitement over the smallest discoveries, and I cherished the adorable tantrum over pantry access. Yes, even the three not-so-pleasant diaper changes brought a sense of joy and connection. Each of these tiny moments has deepened my appreciation for the here and now.
However, this special day is about more than personal celebrations; it’s a tribute to the incredible journey we all share as mothers. Reflecting on these past 16 months of caring for my soon-to-be toddler, I’ve come to understand that parenting is fueled by love, grace, and selflessness. It also brings a whirlwind of emotions—some uplifting and others challenging.
While you can do all the right things, nothing truly prepares you for the road ahead—nothing equips you for the shame and guilt that can arise. I still remember the first time I felt the heavy weight of shame, just a few days postpartum. During a heartfelt conversation with Brandon about my c-section, I revealed that I had actually hoped for one. Admitting my fears about natural delivery made me feel vulnerable and judged. But in that moment of uncertainty, Brandon wrapped his arms around me, reminding me that how I brought Sadie into the world doesn’t define my worth. Despite his unwavering support, I still struggle with feelings of shame.
I also grapple with guilt when I take time for myself. I often feel that prioritizing my own needs makes me selfish. There’s a constant pressure to be available and selfless for Sadie, especially since I chose to conceive and embrace parenthood. I worry about missing out on her growth and development. Just today was particularly challenging with her teething, but because I took some time for myself earlier in the day, I was able to exercise patience. In that moment, I heard her proudly say “anana” as she ate a banana.
I’m learning that moments of self-care are essential; they help prevent burnout and allow me to be there for my baby girl. Because there’s a certain magic in those quiet moments—snuggling on the couch while reading her favorite story, her tiny fingers tracing the illustrations, and watching her face light up with wonder. These moments can slip by if I’m not careful. I want to cherish these cuddly moments while they last. When I carve out time for myself, in whatever capacity that may be, I can be exactly the parent she needs—imperfect, yet patient, loving, and fully engaged. I remind myself that I’m not doing anything wrong and that I am not a bad parent.
Parenting is obviously not without its difficulties, and I have immense respect for those who navigate this path as single parents. Both Brandon and I were raised by single mothers, and we recognize the incredible strength it took for them to manage every scare, every sickness, and every emotional moment on their own. Our mothers bore our pain. They were strong even when they felt weak. They remained constant and available, with arms wide open and silent prayers flowing from their hearts. This journey tested and stretched them in ways they could never have anticipated—but our mothers dug deep, fought back, and never gave up. Even when it was tough, they knew, just as I know, that we are made for this role. The strength of our mothers, and of all parents, is beyond comprehension.
This Mother’s Day, I chose to honor single parents by contributing to a nonprofit. I donated a Costco pack of diapers to our church’s diaper drive, supporting single parents in our community. If you’re financially or physically able, I encourage you to join me in helping parents and children in need within your community.
I want to extend my heartfelt wishes to all the amazing caregivers out there. I hope you had a joyful Mother’s Day and felt truly celebrated for the incredible “mama” or “papa” bears that you are. Let’s continue to extend our compassion beyond our own families, both now and in the future. Together, we can uplift our communities and support one another through the complexities of motherhood. After all, it is a true privilege to love these little munchkins we call our babies!
I’d love to hear about the nonprofits you support—please share in the comments!
From Bump 2 Balance 