My journey to Motherhood.

When I learned to walk, I toted a baby doll or a real baby on my hip. When I potty trained I began changing baby doll diapers and real baby diapers. When I was 10 my first nephew was born. I literally thought he was mine and loved him like he was indeed my real life baby. In high school babysitting gigs are what I lived for. My first real job (aka taxes were paid) was at an after school program. Then I nannied for every single one of my adult years. Babies and children are my thing. There has never been a question of "will I have kids" just "how many kids will I have?". To say that having Hank confirmed my highest calling would be a true statement. I love pregnancy, I love birth, I love nursing, I love babies, I love teaching signs for words, I love milestones being reached, I love teaching ABCs and 123s. Jesus is real to me in all of these things. Ever since HS and college I have had wonderful friendships with older women who were also mothers. I didn't know that children annoyed some people and that some folks would prefer their mama friends get a sitter so they could hang out kid-free. Nope, not me. The more kids, the better. I'd help them change, feed, and entertain their little ones and enjoy every minute and aspect of the friendship. I'd also keep the babes so they could go on dates with their husbands. Now that I am a mother I realize what a blessing that may have been to my mama friends. I realize that because my friend, Jordan, who is a newlywed doesn't have babies yet but has continued to hang with me and love on my babe. Such a blessing to my heart! While I may have been a blessing to them they will never know how they have blessed me. Susan Campbell. She trusted a free spirited, 18 year old with her precious babies. She also welcomed me into her home and her fridge. She nursed her baby like it was normal- well, because it is. She offered cookies and milk during late night hang outs and by doing all that I've mentioned, she taught me that life doesn't end when motherhood begins. That your spouse is still important and needs your attention especially after having babies. Holly Ross. Saying she welcomed me into her home would be a huge understatement. I lived 40+ hours a week under her roof. Using her cookware and dishes. Pushing her stroller with twin girls in it. Swimming with her son while babies napped. Playing house on the weekends when her and her husband went on mini vacays. She nursed TWO babies that never had a bottle. Ever. One for a year and one for 2. She always prioritized her relationship with her spouse. She always encouraged me. Always listened to all my 20 year old nonsense and how some days I was homesick. She taught me how to love, introduced me to wonderful foods, and was patient with my immaturity. That family has impacted the way I run my home on a daily basis. The foods I eat and the parenting choices we make. Brannon Schroerlucke. When I think of Brannon the first word that comes to my mind is "beautiful". Beauty radiates from deep inside her. She always wears a smile. She taught me the importance of taking care of your temple while still being "Mommy". She let me stay with her 2 babies while she ran off to hot yoga for a couple of hours. She never once complained about her absent husband. She just enjoyed the time they did get to spend together while keeping their bigger picture in mind. He is a surgeon and was in the middle of his fellowship at the time, while she was in their apartment giving all of her time and attention to the sweetest little boys. She had no family close by and a time difference that made calls home difficult for a mother of young children. When I met B it was like I met my sister. Brannon has spent quite a few years either pregnant or nursing. She also breastfed without fear. The confidence she always wore is something I won't forget. If I lived in Memphis or if she lived in Alexandria I just know we'd spend a lot of days together laughing and learning. Julia Comer and Lori Tucker. They've shared many stories with me about their experiences, breastfeeding, sleepless nights, and romance along the way. They have stood by me when I had bitterness inside and loved me I was surely unlovable.


So, there you have it. How I got from here to there and the women who have loved me along the way. They have taught me about love, marriage, motherhood and they helped me mold my own "mom style". Thank you won't ever be enough. I believe I have witnessed the best of the best in the early years of parenting. My mom and sisters deserve a whole separate story for who they are and all they've done. That will come another day because this post is turning into a novel as I type.


Thank you Lord for the husband who made me a mother and my firstborn who gets to be a product of all of my trials and errors. Thank you for all the future babies and the love and light they will bring to the "green house". Let my eyes be fixed on you and my calling always glorify you. Let me give and accept grace freely and live intentionally. Beauty from ashes, Lord. Beauty from ashes.