A big thank you to Pampers for sponsoring this post!
To all of my fellow moms out there…moms to be, first-time moms, fur-baby moms, veteran moms…I’m wishing you ALL a very happy and special Mother’s Day today!
I want to take a quick moment here to say that I know Mother’s Day can be a challenging one for many. I am incredibly thankful to have my two boys and my own mother figures to celebrate this weekend, and am really looking forward to a day filled with love. But some of you may still be trying to become mothers, or have lost your own moms, or are facing a personal situation that makes this holiday a challenge. So please know that I will be holding all of you in my heart and thoughts this weekend, as well as those of you who will be showered with flowers, brunches and big hugs and kisses.
For the longest time, Mother’s Day was always just a day where I got to celebrate my mom. That’s not to say it was any less important, of course, but it just wasn’t anything I could personally relate to, you know? It was meant to be a day to shower my mom with love!
Then, suddenly, it was a holiday that could be celebrated for ME. Say, what?! How was I old enough to be a MOM???
Now, here I am celebrating my fourth Mother’s Day, and even though every year gets just a little bit sweeter, I think I’d still have to say that my very first Mother’s Day is what stands out the most for me.
OMG baby Lucas(!!!)
As for the why, honestly? I’m not really sure. Maybe it’s the fact that it was all still so fresh and new. Maybe it was because being a mom was something I had been waiting for and trying for and then, suddenly, there it finally was. Even though I can’t exactly pinpoint my why, all I know is that that particular day absolutely stands out in my mind.
That’s not to say that the subsequent Mother’s Days have been any less special, though. In fact, each year has brought something uniquely fun or exciting, reminding me of just how blessed I am to have the family I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded by.
Now before you go thinking, oh geez, here we go with another blogger going on and on about how hashtag #blessed she is, let’s not forget the fact that motherhood is hard. Like, REALLY hard. There is nothing else in this life that has left me more mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. So yes, I’m incredibly thankful for a special day for moms to be able to go snag a pedicure and some Starbucks without anyone batting an eye if I want to!
Motherhood is exhausting. And I’m pretty sure that with each passing year, I’m just that much more tired and using that much more concealer to hide the bags under the eyes. BUT, along with each passing year, the exhaustion of motherhood doesn’t even hold a candle to just how truly wonderful and rewarding it really is.
Celebrating Mother’s Day last year while pregnant with Alex!
Since that first Mother’s Day of mine, I’ve watched my first ‘baby’ grow up into what is now an almost four year old. FOUR. YEARS. OLD. That boggles my mind.
And then, of course, most days it’s still hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that I’m celebrating this Mother’s Day as a mom of TWO now.
Becoming a mom of two has, by far, been my life’s biggest challenge to date. This past (almost!) year has far surpassed any others when it comes to struggles, emotions, and more.
But it’s all worth it. SO worth it. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything else in this world because, my goodness, I am lucky.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m freakin’ exhausted. But I’m lucky. : )
This year, to capture that special feeling, Pampers wants to be among the first to wish moms a Happy Mother’s Day. And to give you all the feels, here’s a little Mother’s Day video that they recently put together…
Because I know there are SO many of you out there who are up in the middle of the night just like I am. <3
So now, tell me…how many of you out there know a deserving mom right now that could maybe use a little help? A little something for someone who could use some extra pampering? Leave a comment below! I’ll be reading through all of them and someone MAY just wind up with a very nice little surprise, courtesy of Pampers. <3
Mic says
My daughter, Shelby is a single mom of a 14 month old boy. She has made so many sacrifices to give him the best she deserves a day of pampering!
Juliette | Namastay Traveling says
This is so sweet. I have yet to be a mom myself, but it’s something I so look forward too! Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Linda R says
My boss is a mom of three girls (15,12 and 8) and both she and her husband work full-time jobs that are very demanding. Her husband was recently diagnosed with cancer and she has had to really take control of being the main parent lately. She never misses a sports practice or music lesson and makes it all look easy. I know she has to be exhausted each day, but I know she wouldn’t trade anything for the world! My husband and I are pregnant with our first due in a September and really look up to her and her husband. It’s amazing what an influence great parents can be!
Ashley d says
A coworker with twins in the nicu
Jen W. says
Oh how I miss my babies today (and everyday). Technically they aren’t babies anymore. Grown & graduated but living in different states. And add the fact that my mother passed away recently…. just a hard, hard Mothers Day this year. But the memories are wonderful!
Anisha Zak says
My MIL! She’s dying of stage 4 cancer. She weighs 87 pounds. She’s achy and exhausted. She could use some extra pampering. The girls and I painted her nails for her today :)
Angie N says
My daughter! She is 26 years old and married a man with three children, plus she has one and now they have one together! So five children total! She jumped in with both feet and is trying her best to be a good mom to them all while she navigates the difficulties of her new life. She deserves to be “pampered”!
Julie says
My sister in law. Whom is really my sister’s sister in law, but we’ve come to be close as well.
She has taken in 3 children, all siblings, as foster children and now is in the process of adopting them. Fingers crossed it all goes through. But boy was it tough at the start. Imagine having no children (her & her husband tried, but not able to have their own) and one day being asked to foster 3 children, siblings, aged 4, 3 & 10 months and having no kids things in the house at all. But they did it.
Kaitlyn @ Powered by Sass says
I love this. I’m not a mom, but my mom and the mothers in my life are some of the strongest women I’ve ever known. I only hope that when I become a mom one day, I can be right up there with them! Also, it’s so sweet of your hubs to pamper you on this day! <3
http://www.poweredbysass.com
Kayla says
This is such a sweet post, Courtney! I have yet to become a mom, but I do love being an auntie! My sister has two little ones (about the same age as Lucas and Alex!!). Gio is going to be 4 in August and Enzo just turned 1 in March. I have so much love for my nephews, and I give my sister so much credit! Some days she doesn’t get out of the house at all, but she does it all for those little babes. They are the highlight of my life, and I know they are the highlight of my sister’s life too! :) have a great day girl!! Xoxo
Holly says
My mother in law could definitely use some extra pampering! She recently had surgery (broken ankle from her life long dream of skydiving) and has had difficulty trying to stay home and take it easy. She’s the best mom (and MIL) we could ask for!
Allison says
This is such a sweet post. Your words are beautiful. Happy mother’s day to you!
Jessica says
My sister is a mom of two older kids and going through a REALLY tough time. Thank you for this post and your boys are absolutely beautiful. <3
Abbie says
I am a lucky mom to a 9 month old son. Motherhood is even more than I could have imagined! I love all your posts about your kids – and helps prepare me for the future. I honestly think all moms deserve pampering – but my mom sure does as she is a full time caregiver to my grandma. She’s the most amazing and loving person I know!
Natalie S says
My sweet sister just gave birth to her second on Monday. She has a 2 1/2 year old son and now a new girl. She is an amazing mama with a lot on her plate, and someone that I proudly mimic in my everyday mothering. She deserves more than any of us could give her, but a nice pampering never hurt!
Karen says
With a new little baby girl, I am always running around crazy. I get very little sleep, and I’m always trying to do so much for my wonderful family. But my baby girl is the biggest blessing we have, and I love her so much and enjoy her so much every second of every single day!!!
Amy says
My friend recently lost her mom from breast cancer and had a miscarriage and failed IUI. Through all that she continues to be a role model to me for patience and gratefulness in how she parents her toddler
Megan says
One of my best friends was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in December while pregnant with her second baby. She was diagnosed, started treatments, welcomed a baby, and celebrated her older little one’s third birthday all in a span of about 2 months. I can’t think of a mama who deserves a little pampering more than her right now, she has a fight ahead of her but will do anything for as much time as possible with her two little boys.
Melissa says
My friends mother just recently died from cancer. She is now responsible for taking care of her 7 siblings and it looks overwhelming at times for her I’m sure, but she never complains. She would love some extra pampering!
kelly says
My mom! She is the best.
April V says
My mom is honestly an angel on earth. She manages to always be available somehow to take care of her SEVEN grandchildren, work full-time, be head coordinator for the women’s group at her church, lead two bible studies, AND be a wife on top of that all. She had to work 2nd shift all Mother’s Day weekend but we were sure to be there when she got home Sunday to greet her with a nice dinner before going to bed. I thank the Lord everyday for blessing me with such an amazing woman that I get to call Mom.
Kelsey says
I’m not going to lie – I could use a little extra loving. My little one has had a rough stretch with ear infections and miscellaneous sickness. For his first 15 months. He just got tubes, and is doing so much better now, but it has been a long, rough stretch.
Laura G. says
This by far has been the hardest year yet! I became a Mom to 2 as well! I was 7 months pregnant and we moved the family across the country (FL to CO)and lived in 4 different homes, before finally settling in our house 3 months ago. I have a 3.5 year old and a 8 month old . My 8 month old has worn me out! Never has taken a bottle and has never slept more then 2 hours at a time!! Yeah, thats not a exaggeration either! Kid is trouble! Lol My husband on night shift and gone many times due to military obligations, I am surprised I still have my sanity with these kids! So I feel your pain of having the transition of 1 kid to 2..very hard! Hoping this next year gets better! :-)
Janay says
My best friend has been one of the strongest mommas I know. She has severe rheumatoid arthritis that she was diagnosed with in 2012. She had a rough time getting pregnant and when she was finally blessed with her little girl she had complications and delivered 6 weeks early. She’s healthier than ever now but my poor friend has been suffering on and off with her arthritis. There have been days where she has been in so much pain she couldn’t lift her little girl. She’s been through several different treatment options and some have helped more than others. Through it all she still finds the better things in life and strives so hard to be there for her husband and little girl. She deserves so much!
Erin m. says
My sister just had her 3rd child and could definitely use some pampering!
Jillian says
My sister-in-law. She and her husband have 4 kids under the age of 11. They are going through a very difficult time right now with their oldest (emotionally, mentally, physically, and health wise), and some pampering for her would be amazing!
Katie B says
My momma’s had a rough year with an unexpected surgery, a few deaths in the family, and work drama; she’d love some pampering!
Olviya says
My mom had 9 children, and now helps watch my two toddlers (she has a day care at her home). I don’t know how she does it!
Ash Z says
My best friend Christina, she is a new mom to a beautiful little girl and she is stressing about going back to work in a week. She needs a little pampering and good thoughts. :)
Amanda says
My sister is super mom. She’s a family physician with a 10 year old and a 1 year old, and makes it look so easy. She could always use a little pampering!