A take on motherhood from Stefanie -

MOM - This is a title that I’m most proud to carry. I had the joy of capturing this title almost 9 years ago when my daughter was born. Since then I’ve also had my wonderful son who is almost 7. 

Growing up I always knew I wanted to be a mother so I could create a strong legacy to pass down.  While I never knew exactly what that would look like - in my 9 years of being a mother, I’ve held many different roles. 

I’ve been a full time working mom, as well as a part time working mom.  I felt energized when I was working outside of the home as well as inside. As women, I think it’s a forever battle of feeling like we’re never giving enough time to our children. Let me just say - ALL mamas raising children are doing amazing things no matter where your work lies! 

Throughout these seasons of being a Mom, I learned that any time I have with my children is an opportunity to cherish every moment with them and create lasting memories. Over the last few years I’ve really learned to be present and focus on my children when I have that time with them! As I’m almost 9 years in I’ve realized how quickly time really moves. I feel like we always hear : time flies, you’ll miss those younger years. I never believed this - until now! As my kids get older they gain more independence and want to be with their friends even more. They’re more involved in sports! 

To help maintain a great relationship with my children my family has established a few important things.

In our family we’ve prioritized quality time and set apart time each week just for family time. These are some of my favorite days!! To me, one of the other main parts of being an amazing mother is the relationship with my husband. In my family, my marriage comes first - even before the kids. We are a strong team together and this has given us the best opportunity to parent and raise our children in the best way we can. So don’t ever feel guilty about taking time for adult conversation or date nights out! In my opinion this is what helps me stay energized to be the best Mom I can be to my kids! And they in turn get to see a strong, loving marriage in front of them. 

Motherhood has been one of the greatest journeys in life so far. I truly feel so much joy every time I get to see and be around my kids - even on the days they can drive me insane! :) 

*****************************************************************************

A take on Motherhood from Kristin -

When I was thinking about motherhood and what it means to me, I just couldn’t seem to wrap it all up in one neat adjective.  Sometimes motherhood makes me feel like superwoman - fierce and brave - ready to take on the next disaster and kick its butt.  Being a mom also makes me feel small and powerless - the loss of control can be paralyzing. Raising kids makes me happy - so giddy and gleeful that it’s almost ridiculous.  Every moment of every single day creates a different sense of the word “mom”.

We had 3 kids by the time I was 21.  I remember mornings just hoping that I would have enough time to eat and brush my teeth.  Life was insane. When we brought our 3rd baby home from the hospital, our oldest was 2 ½.  I had so many years of diapers, sleepless nights, baby food, double strollers, baby toys, and nursing that being in survival mode was normal.  I was still so young and trying to figure out how to hold everything together.

The years blurred together and pretty soon they were all in school.  There were a few new additions after that, we have 7 kids altogether.  It was our 6th baby that changed everything.

We were thrilled to be expecting.  The next one up was 4 and we were craving a baby.  At the 20 week ultrasound the tech discovered a spot on the heart and a few other minor things. “Nothing to worry about” I was told.  Back for another ultrasound 6 weeks later to find that baby’s growth was somewhat less than normal. Ultrasounds every 4 weeks showed changing abnormalities that were sometimes worse and sometimes better than before.  I was a ball of anxiety and stress. I stopped sleeping. I was consumed with worry. I distanced myself from my friends. I didn’t talk about it because somehow verbalizing what was going on made it painfully real. At my 37 week ultrasound, my baby hadn't shown signs of growth in the last 4 weeks.  I was induced that same day. I had an overwhelming sense of panic, not feeling capable of dealing with what was about to happen. Effie Louise was born crying like any other baby. She pooped, peed, burped, and cried just like all my other babies. She was beautiful. Effie had Trisomy 13 though, and we knew she wouldn’t be with us long.  We brought her home and loved her. My kids adored her, and it melted my heart to see them with her. We had 13 beautiful days with our angel. There were so many life changing moments during that short time. I was and still am amazed how this little baby brought so much joy to our family. She changed us. I have this new perspective and appreciation for the simple things in life.  I now sit and snuggle my new baby (born 14 months after Effie passed away) every morning until he squirms and squacks to go eat his Cheerios. I can relax and watch my kids play in the yard even though my house is turned upside down. I can take my kids to the park even though I have a Mount Everest of laundry waiting for me.

I’ve heard it said that being a mom is like trying to brush your teeth and eat oreos at the same time. Totally true!!!!!!! Life is crazy busy with kids, but I’ve learned to take a step back and enjoy the chaos.  Though exhausting, I wouldn’t trade being a mom for anything. Sometimes motherhood is nice and neat and orderly, but most of the time it’s not. I love my busy, loud, chaotic, kind, and loving kids for making me the mother that I am.  

Mothers are the glue that hold families together.