On the eve of her 6th birthday

Tomorrow my little Reese turns SIX years old. I'm feeling the way that I think that most mommas feel the night before & the day of their child's birthday. Happy, nostalgic, a little sad, excited and just that feeling that I can't find the words to explain. She was born on my best friend's birthday, which I love for many reasons. She was also born on a Monday & her birthday falls on a Monday this year, too. I remember that day so well, it was the best day of my life (my wedding was too, but for totally different reasons). So many people helped me bring Reese into the world, I was truly blessed. I knew that then, but I really know it now. I thought that I knew what I was in for...

But I had no idea.

I had no idea of the joy, heartache, exhaustion, pride, happiness and the depth of love for my beautiful child that awaited me. I learned quickly though, that's for sure! I didn't know what the future held for us, but I knew that I loved this child with a fierceness that I had never known. I learned how a few amazing women, some that you have known for years & others that you have only known for a short time, can lift you out of a low point in your life & show you the light of the life that you are beginning to start. I received a ton of advice when Reese was born...some of it I dismissed and some I have never forgotten & still think about. Here are a few examples:

"The first six weeks suck."--My good friend Kristie, who had her 1st baby 6 months before I did. This was great advice because it made me realize that it wouldn't last forever & I realized that it really was hard, it wasn't just me!

"Take it one day at a time & say your prayers."--My wonderful Nanny, my mom's mom

"I wasn't the best housewife or the most organized mom, but I knew how to have fun."--My mom's teacher friend who is fearless and fun & whose son's friend still remembers the time she took them frog catching instead of staying home to clean & do laundry.

Play with your babies, toddlers, preschoolers and kids. Play pretend. Get them out of the house and take them on an adventure, even just to the park. Make things a game and you can get them to help you with anything & they will learn to have fun doing the everyday things. Most importantly, remember that they are children & they are learning to do everything. Be patient when little hands make a mess, break something or forget to do something. They are little tiny souls learning in this world, so be gentle with your words. Read and do Love & Logic parenting. It really works. Don't beat yourself up when you fall short. Some days just suck. period. Everyday is not sunshine & honey, some days are dark & shitty. You will get overwhelmed and feel insecure, but try not to compare yourself to other mothers. We all have our issues with motherhood & that is okay. Think about the kind of family life you want to create & do the little things that will get you there. Feed your kids good food, real food. They will behave better & if you don't believe me, watch them after they eat ice cream. But. let them eat candy once in a while. It will be okay. Really it will. Keep your heart open. Motherhood is crazy/beautiful and I am so grateful to be a part of it.

{I will end with this wonderful quote from the wonderful Sark:}