My First Mother's Day

I’ve always enjoyed Mother’s Day. My mom and I have been close my whole life so spending the day honoring her has been something I’ve always been glad to do. This year, Mother’s Day has taken on a new meaning for me. It’s my first Mother's Day as a mom myself.

I would be lying if I said the past five-and-a-half months have been filled with nothing but joy. Don’t get me wrong, I love my baby with my entire being, but being her mother hasn’t been easy. I never truly understood just how difficult being a mother would be until Nov. 26, 2011.

I’d say I was pretty prepared to have a baby by the time Hannah was born. I’ve been babysitting kids since I was in middle school, and have dreamed of being a mother since I was five years old. I read every book under the sun waiting for my baby to arrive. Little did I know that books and real life don’t always match-up.

Nearly six months after my daughter’s birth, we’re still up most of the night. It can be impossible to feed her, and sometimes when she’s crying I don’t have the slightest clue why. Under my sleep deprived new-mom fog, I’d say motherhood has been my toughest job yet.

Despite all of the difficulties that come with a new baby, there have also been joys. My home has been filled with more happiness than I ever could have imagined.

I may not know how to get my baby to sleep at night, but I sure know how to make her laugh! I know that she loves her singing lantern toy, and the independence that comes with rolling over. I’d love to figure out how to get her to eat better, but at least I know that singing to makes her smile, and holding her hand calms her down.

Motherhood isn’t easy. After being up all night with the baby, I sometimes wonder how I’ll make it through the day. But when I look into my daughter’s perfect blue eyes, I know I wouldn’t trade this life for anything in the world.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Barrington-area moms out there!

What have been your most difficult and most joyous moments as a mother? Share your thoughts in the comments section.