It wasn’t until I became a mother that I realized just how difficult Motherhood really is. Everything about it is hard – pregnancy, birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, raising them. There are days when I just feel like I can’t breathe because I am so overwhelmed. When the house is a mess, the kids have been cranky or fighting all day, I haven’t showered or had a break in days, it’s so hard. Motherhood is a lifelong commitment that doesn’t come with an instruction book. You try your best, take one day at a time, and somehow get through it all.
Even though motherhood is one the toughest things I have ever done, it is also the most rewarding. There are so many times when I just look at my two kids, my miracles, and think about how lucky I am to be their Mom. There are lots of moments that make the trials of motherhood all worth it, but I think the moments I have listed below are my top five.
5 Moments that Make the Trials of Motherhood All Worth It
The birth of your children. I am not one of those women that loves being pregnant. I had morning sickness, sciatic nerve pain, horrible heartburn, exhaustion, and pretty much every uncomfortable pregnancy symptom with both of my kids. I also went overdue with both of them. With my daughter, Kayleigh, I endured a long and painful 24 hour natural labor, with 2.5 hours of pushing. It was hands down the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. There were many moments when I just wanted to give up, but I somehow found the strength inside of me to carry on. I wanted to meet my baby girl, my first-born child, so badly. When she finally made her appearance into this world at 12:06am, it was like all the pain I felt over the last 9 months, and the pain of labor just melted away. I was the happiest I have ever been in my life, and I got to experience that feeling all over again when my son was born. Those moments made it all worth it.
The first time they really look into your eyes and recognize you. When you first bring your baby home from the hospital, they don’t really do much for a while. You love them immensely and you feel a close connection to them, but nothing compares to that first time they really look into your eyes and hold a gaze, showing that they truly recognize you. It’s an incredible feeling.
Whenever they smile at you. My kids test my patience on a daily basis. Having a one year old and a three year old is very challenging. They are always fighting with each other, getting into things they are not supposed to, asking the same questions over and over again, and throwing tantrums. There are many moments when I get so overwhelmed and frustrated, but whenever one of my kids smiles at me, I can’t help but smile too.
The quiet moments when all they want to do is cuddle with you. It’s really easy to get touched-out as a Mom. When your kids are climbing all over you every day, pulling your hair, wiping their food on you, pinching you, sticking their fingers up your nose and in your mouth, you just feel like you need some space, some time alone. But, when your kids finally settle down, and everything gets quiet and they just want to cuddle with you, it’s one of the best moments ever. I love to gently squeeze them in my arms, run my fingers through their hair, give them a soft kiss on the cheek. I live for those quiet, intimate moments with them, where we can really bond as mother and child.
Every time they learn something new. Watching your kids grow up is such an amazing experience. I feel so incredibly proud every time my kids learn something new, from the first time they roll over, crawl, or walk, to learning new words, or putting sentences together. In those moments I reflect on how much they have grown since the day they were born.
There is a quote about motherhood that just really sums it all up for me. The joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction. ~Elder M. Russell Ballard
In honor of Mother’s Day, Gerber is celebrating mothers and all they do, not only for their children but for their family. I’ll be sharing my favorite mom moments throughout social media during the month of May, and I’d love for you to also! Share your favorite mom moments on social media by using the hashtag #GrowingUpGerber.
What are the moments that make motherhood all worth it for you?
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