Celebrating Motherhood

Today is the fourth anniversary of my becoming a mother. I remember the labor and delivery like it was yesterday, except for some drug inhibited patches. And despite doing my best to go it without drugs, God bless the epidural at the end. The epidural in both of my labors seemed to jump me into light speed for dilation and my babies were delivered within an hour of its taking effect. But let's not get into that aspect of becoming a mother.

The real celebration is of the first time I held my baby boy. I watched as they took him to the table right beside me, checked him out, and cleaned him up. I remember I kept asking, “is he healthy? Is he okay?” Due to some scares we had gone through personally as well as with family, all my mind could focus on was his health. All reports came back healthy and strong. He was 21 ¼ inches long and weighed 8 lbs. and 10 ounces. We called him the sitcom baby because he looked already a month old at least.

Then they laid him in my arms…I have loved people in my life—my parents, my wonderful husband, other family members and friends; I have also lost people and thought I had felt the deepness of my love when they were lost, but this was…utopian love!

My husband spoke of utopian love when we dated. The kind of love that is endless and unconditional. But honestly, I thought that love was only the kind that God could give. I mean I have always done my best to offer my husband that kind of love, and I do love him unconditionally most of the time. But to love another human being so much that your heart physically hurts when they hurt, you can’t breathe when they fall, you become completely selfless when taking care of them, and you discover patience that you never knew you had, who does this? A mother does.

Now four years later, I still love him as much as I did the moment he was placed in my arms, probably more. Because even through the stubborness, the tantrums, and the constant barrage of questions, all he has to do is look at me, and I know that motherhood is a truly glorious thing. In these four years, that love for him has also taught me to love others more deeply.

My husband and I will celebrate ten years of marriage this summer, and I can truthfully say that I love him more everyday, and I cherish each kiss and embrace more now than ever (possibly because there is so little time for us that each moment seems like a miracle in itself). He is wonderful and undoubtedly completes me. His love, friendship, and partnership are exactly what my mother told me marriage should be. I just wish she were here to see all this. I’ve also learned to love another precious baby boy, and I honestly didn’t how my heart would expand enough for more love in my life, but it has and his giggle is infectious.

So, today, I celebrate my motherhood and I toast all those mothers and fathers who have learned more about love through the life, eyes, and embrace of a child… may we keep these feelings and sentiments close to our hearts when we have to face the teen years!