My First "Official" Mother's Day

Sunday was my first "official" Mother's Day!  And though last year I was pregnant but still considered myself a mother, I feel like I've earned my Mother's Day this year, lol!  It's a different feeling - last year was like "Oh, hey, I'm a mother, and it's Mother's Day, isn't this fun?" compared to this year, when I've had the experience of going through a very painful natural labor and delivery, waking up at all hours of the night for feedings, changing hundreds of diapers, taking my baby to the doctor and spending days worrying about her when she was sick, and not to mention going through the fatigue and morning sickness because I'm about to do it alllll over again, lol!  I just feel like this year, I'm REALLY a mother - and what a wonderful gift!   This is one of my favorite quotes on the privilege and dignity of motherhood:

"The most important person on earth...is a Mother.  She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral.  She need not.  She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral - a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby's body.  The angels have not been blessed with such a grace.  They cannot share in God's creative miracle to bring new souls to Heaven.  Only a human mother can.  Mothers are closer to God than any other creature.  God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation...what on God's good earth is more glorious than this: to be a Mother?" - Cardinal Joseph Mindszenty

Having so many friends who struggle with infertility has caused me to have a different perspective on motherhood.  Though I do feel tired and overwhelmed sometimes (hey, parenting is hard work!), I always try to remember how truly blessed I am to be a mother.

So anyway, I had a wonderful Mother's Day!  We went to Blake's parents' house, and spent most of the day there.  Mrs. Michelle cooked a delicious brunch and set the table with her fine china.  Maw Maw Gerry and Mrs. Judy came over, and the mothers (and Ariel) ate inside while the husbands and kids went outside to eat.  It was SO nice, and though I wasn't feeling too great after eating, it was worth it! 

Mrs. Michelle set a beautiful table for our Mother's Day brunch!  She really put a lot of work into it to make it special!

Mrs. Judy and Mrs. Michelle

Me and my wonderful hubby!

We can't wait for you to join the "Momma Club" too, Ariel!  Maybe next year, but you and Gregory are going to have to get to work on that as soon as yall get married!!  ;o)

Isabelle had a good day too, Mrs. Michelle fed her a good meal of yogurt and banana, and she LOVED it!  We went to Mass later that evening, and then back to Blake's parents' house, where Mrs. Michelle fed Isabelle again and gave her a bath.  We stayed a little while longer, and then headed back home to crash.  Oh, and did I mention my Mother's Day present??  It was my mini-van!!  Blake had been planning to buy it later on this month, but he decided to get it for me earlier so I could have it for Mother's Day!  I'm SO happy to have a vehicle, AND a wonderful hubby!!

I'm now officially a "Mini-van Momma" with my 2004 Toyota Sienna!