A First Mother's Day

Today was my first Mother's Day with my beautiful, first born son. It was also my first Mother's Day without my mom. It was a bittersweet day to say the least. Leading up to the day, I was both looking forward to it and hoping it would pass by unnoticed. While I wanted to celebrate with my husband and son, I didn't want to have the emotions that I knew would come when thinking about my mom. But the day came, and it had it all.... tears of sorrow, tears of joy, laughter, gifts, surprises and so much love. It was a beautiful day that will forever be in my memory.

A recap of the day.

I woke up about 8 and had some time to myself before the little one woke up. (very rare-I usually wait to get up until he gets up.) My husband was already up and greeted me with a hug and a kiss AND a French Vanilla cooler from Caribou-one of my favorites. We ate breakfast together and heard the noises of a baby boy waking up down the hall. When I opened his door, I saw a beautiful hanging plant in the middle of the room, two cards on the rocking chair, and best of all, a smiling baby boy waiting for me (the gifts). I sat down and opened the card addressed "Mommy" first. It was a sweet card with a beautiful drawing from my 8.5 month old... and his daddy :) Next, I opened up the card from my hubby. That's when the tears started flowing (the tears of sadness). He has a way with words that always touches me. I could only get through half the card before both he and I were sobbing and hugging and kissing. Let me share a few of the most meaningful, beautiful lines.
"I have been incredibly inspired by your desire to make your mom a part of our baby's life... because your mom has so much to give and teach and our baby will grow and benefit from the love, goofiness and wisdom she gave to you."
"I don't like "Hallmark" holidays, but I can't help but want to celebrate you and the mother who brought you up to be the woman I'm still falling for everyday!"
How could I not cry?! I'm crying all over again! :) Oh yeah, and he said that the plant was in honor of both my Mom and me. That meant so much to me-I will think of her often as I look out my window and see those beautiful, pink flowers.

After we pulled ourselves together :), we got ready for Church. We had decided to attend Mass at the church where we had been married. It is about a 30 minute drive from our house so we don't go there very often. It was a beautiful Mass and brought back so many wonderful memories. Baby Boy was a charmer as always and smiled his way into the hearts of the people sitting behind us. After Mass we decided to walk to a delicious little restaurant where we have gone a number of times. It also provided the pizza for our dress rehearsal. I was on cloud nine at this point-right out of Mass, with a happy baby and a doting husband. Going for a walk on a gorgeous day in a town that I really love. I didn't think the day could get any better... until... The restaurant has floor to ceiling windows in the dining room. As we were walking past the windows to the front door, I happened to look in and see a guy standing there... in my mind I thought, "That really looks like my.... ahh!!" Pushing the stroller, I jumped up, yelled excitedly, started crying (the tears of joy) and ran to the front door. My dad, sister and brother had come to surprise me! I must have been quite the scene, pushing the stroller in, crying, giving hugs... I still can't believe it!! What an amazing surprise!! I was so happy and filled with joy. We had an amazing day together-ate lunch, walked to the park where we had our rehearsal dinner, came back to our house where they showered me with gifts, and simply spent time together laughing and enjoying each other's company. I loved sharing this special day with my family who I miss so dearly. They drove 3.5 hours to spend the day with us.... such an amazing gift.

I enjoyed every minute of the day with my loved ones-my husband, my son, my dad, my brother and my sister. I am so blessed with such an amazing family. We were even able to skype with my mother-in-law!

I received so many texts and messages from friends and family.... I felt so much love on this beautiful day!

The only thing that would have made it better would have been if my mom would have been here to celebrate it with us. I know that she was watching over us all on this special day. She is remembered in so many of my thoughts and prayers, not just today, but everday. I love you, Mom. I know you had a hand in making this day so special.... thank you!!! My prayers go out to all mothers and all those who yearn to be mothers.