Best Job Ever

Sometimes I still can't believe that I hold the title "mother", even though it's practically what I've worked towards my entire life.  Having spent my childhood toting around dolls, playing house and carrying my little cousins every chance I got, and later babysitting every weekend and nannying after college, I always knew I'd love being a mom.  But I didn't know it would be this good.

It's an amazing gift to be called mom.  Sure, it's hard work and definitely not always fun, but it fills your heart fuller than you could ever imagine before taking on the role.  It's true that after you have your first child you become a different person...nothing matters more to you than your precious baby.  All priorities are changed. 

I've learned a lot in these past (almost) 2 years.  I've learned that I can spring out of bed (with a smile!) before 7 am.  I've learned that a 15 minute walk is better than no exercise at all.  I've learned that the sound of my baby's cry is way worse than nails on chalkboard.  I've learned that my dog can be more high maintenance than my child.  I've learned that toddlers are WAY smarter than you think they are.  I've learned that I can fall more in love with my husband.  I've learned that if motherhood is a job, and love is my payment, then I am the richest girl in the world. 

And I've learned that I really don't think I could do all this without my own mom!

One of the great highlights of being a mom so far is hearing a little voice call me "mommy".  It is truly music to my ears.  And when she rests her head on my shoulder and nuzzles her little hands into my chest I could just stop time.  Even better are the times I pick her up from school or Cici's and her face lights up when she sees me and she comes running into my arms.  I know there will be many more simple moments of joy throughout motherhood, and I don't want to take any for granted.

Thank you, my sweet Isabelle, for coming into my life and giving me the greatest gift of motherhood!  Thank you, my dear mom, for being all that you are....the perfect mom, the doting grandmom, the babysitter, nurse, counselor, chef, stylist, role model and best friend . 
Mother's Day was full of celebrating moms.  We started off with brunch at the Tucks.  Celebrating moms means celebrating all of these cute kids. 

Hill and Jim in the back, Isabelle, Brooks, Lauren, Sutton, Macon and Betsy Grace.

My wonderful mother-in-law, Elise, never has a dull moment as a grandmother of 6.

We loved having Brooks and Lauren in town for the weekend.  Isabelle was so taken with her older cousin...she has been talking about "LaLa" and "Booksie" ever since she had a slumber party with them.

Butch watching over the cute kiddos as they chow down together.  It just doesn't get cuter!

Yummy, ice cream time!  Isabelle was more interested in biting into the cone than licking the ice cream. 

Ah, there's a good lick.

Carefully watching how Betsy Grace does it...she's managed to consume a lot more!

Later that night we had the Prudens over for a mother's day dinner.  Here are "the kids" with my sweet mama. 

I hope all you moms out there feel as lucky as I do!