Monday, March 10, 2008

10 Reasons why motherhood makes me smile

I have gotten two ideas for a post that I am going to combine here...my blogging buddy, Elizabeth, posted "10 Reasons to Smile" last week and I thought it was pretty cool. So that's where the initial idea for this post came. The second idea came from Nate at "Confessions of a CF Husband." He's the husband of Tricia, and the father of little Gweneth Rose who was born at 25 weeks and is now 8 weeks old. Someone who reads Nate's blog came up with a really great idea...listing things that Tricia has to look forward to in her role as Mommy. So...with that background, here are 10 things about motherhood that make me smile:

  1. Snuggling with your little ones as they drift off to sleep. Watching those little eyelids get heavier and heavier until they simply cannot remain open...the quiet and peaceful moments when you just get to rock and snuggle with this little blessing.
  2. Those WONDERFUL snuggly hugs that you get when you walk in the door, whether you've been away for 5 minutes or 5 hours...they miss you and are just so glad you have come back to them!
  3. The "help" in the kitchen...doing dishes, making cookies, brownies, or anything has never been as fun as it is when you have a "helper" :o) (even when they fall off their step-stool!)
  4. Hearing "I love you SO much, Mommy." and knowing that they really do mean it...and you are the only person who will ever be in that special place in their heart.
  5. Hearing them sing "Jesus loves me." and knowing that they actually take those words to heart...that they BELIEVE that Jesus DOES love them...so very much!
  6. When your baby begins being afraid of strangers...that they want MOMMY! It can be stressful, but secretly, down in your heart of hearts, it feels good that they want ME!
  7. Being the only one in the world who can interpret the toddler's talk...or identify the "potty dance."
  8. Reading books with your little one, instilling in them a love of books, learning, and curiosity.
  9. Getting to watch as they grow and learn...becoming more of an independent little person. Making friends, playing pretend, creating, drawing, painting...
  10. Knowing that God has entrusted this little soul to you...to teach, nurture, and love. Praising God for this awesome honor, and praying that He will give you wisdom in this most important work.

These are just 10 of the things about motherhood that make me smile. There were many times (months and years) that I didn't think I would ever get to experience motherhood. I thank God each and every day for the three blessings that He has bestowed upon me and my husband. We are honored and privileged to call them our children. 'Mommy' is my proudest title.

(This picture was taken last year on Mother's Day)

7 comments:

CFHusband said...

Thank you!

Anonymous said...

What a sweet post Andie. We always knew you would be a wonderful mother. And, you ARE!!! You're kids are beautiful and happy, and I'm so glad for you and Warren. I love your blog and read it every day. (Loni's computer is broken, and I miss her blogs, but I know she wanted to tell you that the next consignment sale - on the West side - is in a couple of weeks. - I'll try to keep you updated.)
Give all three of your little ones a big 'ole hug from who Asa calls "The Great Aunt Patty of Oz".
Love ya, Andie!!!

Full of Grace said...

I loved your list, and loved your picture of you and your chilluns (you need a new one this year) :)

I have to say, I am SO JEALOUS you are going to the lake and are expecting BEAUTIFUL WEATHER! It is still dress in layers weather here, and I am so anxious for some warmth to head our way. HAVE A WONDERFUL COOKOUT!!!! :)

Andie said...

Elizabeth...I dressed this morning anticipating the warm weather, capri's and flip-flops. Right now I think I have ten little ice-cubes instead of toes...BRRRR! Hopefully it will warm up soon. At least I'm a sensible mom, if not dresser...I made them all wear jeans (they wanted shorts) and tennis shoes, and a jacket. I told them if it was warm when they get home from school they can always change then!

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Andie - What a precious blog. We love your thankful comments and of course love the picture. We too, are thankful God blessed you with children/a family. We well remember those days of longing and questioning if this was God's plan for you. We are very proud of you and Warren. We love all of you very much!!! M & D

Unashamed said...

Ah, so sweet. Your kids are adorable.

I noticed that you are going to the lake. Is it warm enough to go to the lake where you are?? Around here you'd only be going to the lake if you wanted to go ice-fishing, *snort*. I'm jealous, but I hope you guys have fun!

Wendy said...

ten great reasons...