First Mother's Day

My first Mother's Day is slowly coming to an end. I had a great day. I still can't believe that I am a mom! I still think back to last year at this same time we thought that having a baby was becoming nonexistent. I felt so blessed today when I woke up and saw Olivia. I sometimes still can't believe that we have a baby! Olivia is truly a miracle to us and we know that she is a special little girl that has been wanted for a very long time.

We made it to church this morning and Olivia was pretty quiet through the service until the middle or so. I gave her a pacifier to help keep the fussiness down and it pretty much worked. I was able to stay composed about being a mom until the priest at the end had all the moms stand up and said a prayer and blessed all the moms. I couldn't believe that I finally got to stand and be blessed. I was overwhelmed with such joy and emotion.

After church we came home and Brendon cooked a wonderful breakfast and we relaxed and read the newspaper. We visited with our neighbors the Korems because they had one of the best Mother's Day presents with Karyn coming home. We were so happy to see her and that Olivia got to see her too!!

It was such a beautiful day that we decided to take the whole family for a walk- yes Jake included. We went to Harbins Park and walked the 3.50 mile trail. It was pretty warm but it was nice. Olivia slept the whole time and Jake was such a good dog!!

After our walk I dipped my feet in the pool- not quite warm enough for me yet while Brendon jumped in. He did not stay in long. But it felt refreshing.

Brendon then made a wonderful dinner of chicken breasts topped with spinach and Swiss cheese, glazed carrots, and cheddar mashed potatoes. It was a really good dinner.

We Skyped with Grandma and Grandpa for a few minutes but then Olivia got fussy and then it took about 3 hours to get her to bed.

Even though I am exhausted writing this I am so happy to be a mom. I have learned so much about myself the past year. You never know how life will turn out but staying optimistic and praying a whole lot did help. I knew that God had a plan for me and I just let him figure it out for me. Being a mom is exhausting but so rewarding. I have shared some special moments with Olivia already and one of the best was the other night when I was rocking her and she just snuggled into me. I know that she can't tell me that she loves me but I sure felt loved at that moment.

I give my mom lots of credit for being such an awesome mom and being such a great teacher and so patient. She was always there for me when I needed her and she still is. She is such a strong woman and I learned my strength from her. I even sometimes find myself saying things that she used to say to us to my students and to Olivia- it is true you do become your mom! Yes mom I still remember some of the lyrics to - There once was a little ballerina song and sang it to Olivia the other night. Thanks Mom!! You are the best! Now if I could acquire her baking skills that would be the best.

Happy Mother's Day... I look forward to many more with my family!