This Gr8ful Mom

“That’s it mommy, that’s it!!” my princess says as she wriggles out of the hug I’m trying to give her. “Why don’t you want my hugs anymore Rissy?” I ask her. “Because I’m a BIG GIRL!!” she replies as she wipes off the kiss I so lovingly planted on her forehead.  Yep, she has officially entered a new phase of development. One I was not ready for… once again. One where she is trying to be the big girl mommy says she is. The one where she is showing her independence and voicing what she likes and what she doesn’t like.

I have to admit, this has been quite an emotional weekend for me. I think mainly because exactly three years ago, we were preparing to welcome our little princess into our lives. I’ve been finding myself remembering all the excitement and emotions that came with her arrival and randomly crying about it. They say that time flies and kids grow so fast, but what they didn’t say is how hard it is when they actually “grow up”. I mean I know she’s only three, but I was not ready for her to grow up so quickly. Don’t get me wrong, I am so grateful that she is growing and developing as she should, but my little baby is no longer a baby. She’s a big girl whose personality is coming out.  I love how she is the perfect mix of sweet, silly, fun and yes even sassy!

She is a blessing to my life and I am so grateful for the privilege of being her mom. I’m not only grateful to be her mom, but I’m even more grateful that the Lord trusted us with this very special little girl. I have no doubt that what God has called her to do is great, and I’m so humbled to think that He saw fit to give us the responsibility of raising her. We do NOT take that lightly. I hope and pray that I can be the example that she needs and can follow to become the GREAT and MIGHTY woman of God that He has called her to be! 

As I think about the blessing that she has been and brought to our lives, my heart swells with thankfulness. I am soooo grateful for the gift of motherhood. Yes, on the days when I have tons of energy and get so much done and even on the days when I’m running on E and can hardly get anything done. So while I don’t get hugs and kisses as easily as before, I do get the ” mommy I just love you so much”, “you’re my best friend mommy” ” you’re the best girl in the whole wide world mommy”, and the sweet, random made up songs about how pretty, precious and special mommy is. She shows me her love through words, and I LOVE it!! I also still get the “just waking up” cuddles and hugs, so I’m happy for that too.

The other day I was driving home from work and I was overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude. As tears began to flood my eyes (again), all I could do was praise the Lord and thank Him, for His faithfulness, provisions, blessings and for simply who He is. I am so grateful for His faithfulness in helping me get through another school year, for putting wonderful people in my life to encourage me and help me on my journey, for providing EVERYTHING we’ve needed and more, for blessing me with a wonderful family, the list goes on! I am truly blessed with the treasures that money cannot buy. And for that I am soooooo grateful.

As we prepare to celebrate our sweetie pie’s birthday, my heart is filled with joy and gratitude for the very special gift that WE received on HER birthday. She is by far THE BEST earthly gift I have received! I’m so blessed and honored to call her my sweetheart! So on that note, let me go dry my eyes (again) and get ready for her big day!!

One VERY Gr8ful Mom,

Happy Birthday Sweet Arissa!! Mommy and Daddy love you SOOOO MUCH!!!