What I have Learned My First Mother's Day

Tomorrow I will celebrate my first real mothers day. I am still amazed at the strength of all of my family and friends and the amazing amount of respect I have for all of them. Especially, for my own mom because if I can do half the job she did with Abbie, Ashley and I, I am sure Isla will turn out alright. The job of a mom is unlike anything you could ever imagine and I have so much admiration to all the mom's I know who have given me support and encouragement over the last 8.5 months. For my friend Allison that reminded me during the early months it doesn't get easier, but it does get better. For my friend Emily, for giving the "real" scoop on breastfeeding and not the sugar coated version from the lactation class her advice saved me from feeling like a total failure those first few days of motherhood. For my own mom for being a part of Isla's delivery. And all the advice from all my great friends and family.

Mom's come in so many packages you have stay at home mom's, working mom's, single mom's, and yet we may not always have it all together, together we have it all. I remember before having Isla sometimes I would see a mom in the store with a child having a total meltdown and I would think gosh lady control your child (judgy I know: even tomorrow I will be "that" lady that I hoped I wouldn't have to sit next to on the plane traveling with a small child), but now I look at that woman and think gosh I just want to give her a hug. During those meltdowns you will never meet a mother that is standing there thinking "gosh I am mother of the year" you have a woman thinking in their mind my only saving grace is I will never see any of these people ever again (hopefully). It doesn't matter if you work outside the home or all day with your children you truly contribute to your family 24/7. Every smile and every laugh still melts my heart every time. My biggest hope for Isla is for her to always know how much she is loved and how I am sure I won't always do everything right, but I am sure it will always be done with love. I want her to grow into a person that is confident, caring, and respectful.

So on this first mother's day for me, I am celebrating reaching the first of many mommy milestones and applauding all of the wonderful mother's and mommy's to be out there :)