A Day for Mamas

It's our day Mamas.

Every time Mother's Day rolls around I think about the incredible women who helped raise me and the incredible mama-friends who give me strength through my longest days as a Mom. I also think about the immense gratitude I have for the lessons I learned from all of them.

.....Because of the afternoon chats over tea and bagels with my Grandma I have learned to listen...no matter what the conversation or how little the voice that speaks it is. Thank you Gram.

.....Because of my Mom's sentimental heart and reminders of how much we are loved I will encourage Isla to share her feelings and I will always tell her she is my heart. My greatest accomplishment.

.....Because of the first flutters I have learned that life is precious and miraculous.

.....Because of the strength and poise I have witnessed in the powerful women in my life I will remember that even in the lowest depths there is grace to be found.

.....Because of my Great-Grandmother's fiercely stubborn spirit and humor I will remember that age is just a number! You are as young as you feel!

.....Because of the sleepless nights I covet every second of 'shut eye' I graciously receive (thank you Isla and Rachel, Isla's former Sleep Consultant :) and fondly remember that sweet little head resting on my heart.

...Because of the rants and big-wonderful laughs with my mama-friends and closest girlfriends I will remember that this 'mom thing' is a job. It is work. It is wonderful. It is hard. I am the only Mom Isla will ever have and no one can do this job better than me (I keep reminding myself!) I will always feel gratitude for their support and advice.

....Because of that one time when my heart was broken over my first real break-up as a Teenager and my Aunt came into my room, sat with me on my bed and just listened. I will always find time and space to nurture the relationship Isla has with her Aunties (she is SO very blessed to have them!) and remind myself that one day, I just may get the opportunity myself (I'll rock at that Aunt thing! :)

-Because of the warm baby breath on my neck, the soft baby skin on my cheek and her sweet little heart beating in sync with mine I will always remember that no matter what we are bonded in the deepest of ways.

....Because of holidays celebrated with great joy I will remember that life is short and celebrations should be warm, joyous and overflowing with family (and bubbly!) :)

....Because of pudgy baby feet and squeals of delight I will remember that the greatest of things usually come in small packages.

.... Because on this day we remember and show great love and admiration for B's Mom who is no longer with us, I will remember to live every day to the fullest and be present in my moments. Life is much too short.

.....Because every time I wake-up next to her I realize the future is bright. The world is hers.

....Because life is beautiful. So beautiful.... and I didn't realize the depth of that beauty until I became a Mama. Thank you Isla James, you have made me the very best version of myself.

For all you Mamas, it is the hardest job in the world and you deserve every second of praise and admiration. A toast to you.

xoxo.
S