Whew! What a week. My mom came to visit Lily and me for the week and we packed a lot into a short amount of time. We went to Savannah, St. Augustine, had a tea party at a swanky Victorian B&B with the birthday girl, and just generally had a great time. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera for most of Lily's birthday celebrations. I'm super bummed that I missed all the cuteness of the day. But I still got a few shots of our small party that evening and the fun times we had with Grandma.
[Hey, don't judge. You try saying no to a four-year-old girl when she sees a room full of fancy dresses and a camera]
I can't believe my baby is four-years-old. It seems like just yesterday I found out I was pregnant. It was a terrifying and exhilarating time for me. I could never have imagined at the time the countless blessings Lily has brought to my life. A mother's love is something you can never fully understand or appreciate until you've experienced it. There are no big, showy rewards for what mothers deal with everyday. But to a mother, it isn't the big rewards that are important. It is the many small ones. Like when Lily runs up to me and gives me a big, squishy hug and tells me she loves me. Or when she cuddles up next to me at night for her bedtime story and song. Or when she is playing on the beach and runs up to me with such a look of joy and wonder on her face to show me her latest treasure. Or a million other wonderful and crazy things she does each and every day that make my heart swell with love.
I have wiped bottoms and noses, I have comforted inconsolable tears, I have watched helplessly as a temper tantrums have taken control of my sweet child. There have been many times when I have struggled with motherhood. Honestly? I don't remember those times. But I remember every kiss and ever cuddle. I remember every giggle and silly face. I keep them inside and take them out whenever I am feeling overwhelmed. They remind me of the infinite joy and reward of motherhood. And they remind me why what I am doing is probably the most important and rewarding job I will ever have.
1 comment:
You and your mom are awesome for taking that picture with Lily. Think how much she'll cherish that, along with all your other descendants. :) Happy Birthday to Lily! Oh, and you're right, it's the "small" things. But maybe we're all wrong and the small things really are the big things.
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