Happy Mother's Day!
(For pictures of the baby, scroll down)
Today, I am extremely grateful for all the mothers in my life. My mother is wonderful. I could give you lists and lists of reasons why she is amazing, but I think it's summed up as she loves me unconditionally, seeks for me to the best me possible, supports me, laughs with me, and is my friend. I love that we talk almost daily, laugh about random things, and are great friends. In a state where I've felt very isolated from deep friendships, it's been wonderful having her nearby - the person that I love doing nothing with! I also love that she's an extremely wonderful example to me and reminds me what motherhood is truly about, especially on the hard/frustrating days. I love you Mom!
I've been very blessed to have many other great mothers as examples in my life. My grandma is awesome - she is an example of charity and sweetness in a way that I wish I was more like. My mother-in-law constantly provides a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and an example of unconditional love and service. I love my relationship with her and the fact that she considers me a daughter and treats me like one of her own!
As to my other "moms", they include my friends' parents (especially Ma Miller) and the wonderful women at church I grew up with (Kim, Jayna, Sis. Wirth, Sis. Olsen, Sis. Knight, Sis. Gillis, and everyone else!), I'm grateful that they have given guidance, been examples of Christ-like love, and provided mothering when I've needed it and sometimes when I just wanted it. Especially after Mom and Dad moved from PA and I was still there in the summer, I felt loved, cherished, and like I still had a home in Doylestown. These women I've looked up to, relied on to show the way, and have enjoyed learning about the qualities of motherhood from.
Lastly, I am grateful for my family and friends that are moms in their own right that I have been able to call on when I've needed timely advice, watch from a far and see how to parent successfully. My sister-in-law has done such an amazing job with my nephews and nieces. She is patient and respectful, caring and giving, and by watching her I've learned how to play with my own children. My cousin and my cousin's wives (although all younger) have been great examples of me of how to be a "good" mom. Somehow, these three women (and my sister-in-law) have made motherhood look easy and haven't been afraid to get their hands dirty, play, try new things, and show me that it's possible to be a stay-at-home mom, have more than one kid, and not go crazy. My friends that have kids daily show me that there are different ways to parent, different ideas to try, and remind me that I'm doing okay and I don't have to be perfect and I'm not totally scarring my children.
As for me, I love being a mother. It is challenging in ways I would have never guessed three years ago when Lil' D was only 4 months old. The joy I feel in little things is exponentially maginfied when watching Lil' D or Baby A reach a milestone or discover something new on their own. The worry and concern I feel is heightened in ways I could have never imagined before becoming a mom. Motherhood is great!
Now - for what I know most of you read this blog for - news about the kids.
Lil' D is pretty much the same - I'm still struggling with him being 3 and he's still precocious. Lately his reason for doing anything is because he's a big brother. For example, "I can drink out of a big cup, because I'm a big brother." Or, "I can wear your shoes, because I'm a big brother." I find it adorable! He loves Baby A and is very gentle with her. 
