It Gets Better - A Mother's Day post

"It Gets Better" - Jo Dee Messina

Last year's Mother's Day post can be read HERE...

***

I woke up early today.  I drove.  I cleaned.  I remembered.

It was about fifteen minutes into my drive when I realized I never had turned the radio on.  I always listen to my music.  I was too lost in my thoughts. The quiet of the morning and the rush of memories that vividly swept me away
were all I needed.


I prayed for many as I thought about this day and its impact on the heart...
A mother's heart.  A child's heart.  A family's heart.


I thought about my mom and how this would be her first Mother's Day without her mother.
It amazes me what the power of hope can do for one's soul.

 Hope brought me to this day...

Celebrating life with my mother and loved ones, and celebrating the life I carry inside of me.

When I look back to two years ago on this day, I remember an ache and sadness that I was just beginning to try to understand.  My second miscarriage was coming to an end and I was lost and scared.  I didn't know where to put all the grief.  All I knew was I wanted so desperately to be pregnant again.  And the chance to be a mother again. But I also remember the fight for it - how in the two years since then, we've been through even greater trials while we faced all of life's "surprises" together. 

Today, I'm thankful and so appreciative for those surprises...

In my life, I've seen my mom go through her share of bumps in the road.

No matter what the circumstance, she always sprung back, resilient and ready to show life what she's made of.  And I'm forever grateful to her for the lessons she's taught me - many that never needed an explanation. 

There's something so beautifully mysterious about life and the way things come together.

As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I looked up my due date...

January 2nd.

My nani passed away that very day just a little over four months ago.

And something inside strongly tells me that it's more than just a coincidence.

The fact that I could deliver our child within days of that date, making my mom a grandmother...

It's wonderfully bittersweet in so many senses.

And brings to mind the circle of life (great, now I'm going to have The Lion King song in my head)

and the blessings it holds.

I've been feeling strong. 

I've found that strong doesn't mean no tears or pain. Strength comes from surprising places. 

I've learned that digging deep, remembering every road along your journey...it pulls you through, it builds your passion, it strengthens your love.

I've learned that you're never ever alone.

And if you keep the faith through it all, soon you'll see...

"It gets better."

<3<3<3

To my mom, who made this day so special

to my sweet mama friends

to the soon to be moms

to the beautiful mamas I've met throughout this journey

to the moms who have loved and lost

to all the moms...

Tonight, I say,

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

***

Today, we celebrated...

The sun was shining with 80 degree weather.

The Mr. grilled up a storm.

We chowed down and relaxed.

And broke out some instant entertainment - catnip.

Moofy was intrigued.

Twinkie was drooling.

Yep, she loved it so much, she couldn't let go. 

Steve enjoyed a cigar while Twinkie ventured out for a peek and

 my mom and I sat and chatted.

Beautiful and touching gifts and card from my mom.

 This man made this day a sweet one for me. <3

***

The start of my weekly belly pics...

These were last week's after a nap, the day of our first ultrasound.

5 weeks 4 days

I see a little bump already (though it could be from all the "healthy" food I'm eating.)

***

When I rise, I'll be 6 weeks and 4 days pregnant.

And we'll be getting ready for our next ultrasound.

Mother's Day Lovin',