From their entries into the world, babies are all unique, special, their own people. It is amazing how different each labor and delivery can be and that is just the beginning! Just like our children, each of us has our own unique journey to becoming a mom.

As they grow, so do we.

As they have endless phases. So do we.

As they struggle to understand their needs, let alone communicate them. So. Do. We.

From the ever changing technology to a worldwide pandemic, what a time to be a mom. All the modern challenges on top of all the every day concerns for their physical and mental well being. And more awareness, calls for concern on OUR physical and mental well being.

It is stressful. It is exhausting. It is frustrating. It is so hard.

It is magical. It is surreal. It is beautiful. It is a miracle.

These mini versions of ourselves out there in the world. Literally embodying the good, bad , beautiful and ugly that is us. All of us. So alike and so wonderfully unique at the same time. From inception, they’ve all had their own story – we’ve all had our own story.

It can be hard to know what we want and need, let alone how to ask for it. Hard to know what boundaries to set, to help ourselves both as new moms and as more seasoned moms. Just like every kid is different, so is every mom. So is every phase – for kids and moms!

As mothers we go in and out of phases just like our kids do. While some may relish in togetherness and having family or friends help, others may require time alone to function and figure things out without simultaneously having to interact with others, host, socialize, no matter how close nor how low maintenance the relationships may or may not be.

Just like our kids, we all need different things at different times. The hard part is coming into our own. First knowing ourselves, then learning to communicate our wants and needs to those around us.

It is a beautifully messy and difficult and wonderful journey that never ends.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mother figures out there and special encouragement to those still trying to get the job. It is the best job. It is the hardest, most challenging, most amazing and rewarding job. I am honored and humbled and moved to tears (good and bad) by it every day.