Becoming a mom has been terrible for my ego but wonderful for my soul. I used to be hip, trendy, stylish and fun. I used to strut around like I was hot stuff and then I got filled up from the inside with my babies. As they grew, so did my love for them, swelling within me, overwhelming my emotions. It transformed me and helped me see the world in a whole new way.
In the past three years, I have been covered in vomit, snot, food, drool and other unmentionables. I have stayed up all day and all night holding a sick child in my arms and nursing them back to health. I have wiped tears, kissed boo boos, hugged little bodies tight and sung them to sleep at night.
To my darling children, I have learned to say I love you in so many ways I didn’t know existed. In the kisses of butterflies and Eskimos. In gentle hugs and bear hugs too. In the soft strokes against innocent cheeks, with a sweet, steady gaze into each others eyes. I have felt, spoken, and emoted in these complex and beautiful languages of love to you who made me a mother.
My 24/7/365 nurturing, caring, worrying, encouraging, dance that I do with you for the rest of my life is my choice. I was given you as a gift yet I choose you too. Every day, I choose to laugh at your only knock, knock joke. I choose to cheer loudly when you’ve conquered a challenge. I choose to dance around the house with you and sing silly songs. I choose to check on you in the middle of the night even though I know you are fine. I choose to be the best mom I can possibly be to you because I love you that much.
I’m no longer the cool young woman that I used to be but I’m ok with that because I’m a better version of myself. I used to think I had my finger on the pulse of what’s happening, but I realize now that it all pales in comparison to feeling your pulse on my lips as I give you a raspberry on the inside of your wrist.
Hi, my name is Char and I’m a lifestyle blogger at 
Beautiful post!
Thank you very much! 🙂
It’s so much better than it ever was before though, don’t you think? Cherish every second of it too because before you know it you have emotional moody preteens/teens. Which just adds a whole new level of awesomeness to your life. Happy belated SITS day.
LOL! I completely agree Monica, I am savouring every moment with my little angels!
Beautiful post and a poignant reminder of the privilege and responsibility of motherhood. Love, love the Elizabeth Stone quote. Saw it for the first time when I was pregnant and since having my Son, I’ve thought of it more than a few times 🙂
I love that Buhle, ‘the privilege and responsibility of motherhood’! 🙂
Happy SITS Day (a day late!) — it’s funny how becoming a mom changes everything that is important to you. Great post!
So true Erin! 🙂
Char, your name says it all. Fun, unique and refreshing. So nice to meet you through SITS and this post is simply beautiful. You describe motherhood so perfectly.
Thanks Sela, you are sweet to say so!:)
Thank you for such a beautiful post! I loved it, and you made my day. Thanks for the smile. 🙂
That’s wonderful Joan! 🙂
I believe this is the best moment ever… for a wife, as you add on another role to your badge 😉
So true!
This is such an honest post. As single women, we are spoiled by only having to worry about ourselves, but when it comes time to be a mom, the connection we make with our children trumps all that. I love the quote you used, ““Making the decision to have a child – it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body”. Elizabeth Stone” …to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body seems pretty accurate! Love!
Thanks hon! Btw, I love your Thanksgiving post!
Beautiful Post! Happy SITS Day!
Thank you for your kind words!
What a beautiful post. I share your sentiment. Happy SITS day! Following…
Thank you Hope!
This post is beautiful….truly beautiful! You expressed how I (and hopefully countless others) feel about being a Mother so eloquently. Thank you!
Happy SITS day to you!
Thanks Kim, that’s so sweet of you to say!
This is so sweet. Being a mama is far better than being “cool” 🙂 I too feel like a better version of myself since becoming a mother – I wouldn’t trade it for all the coolness in the world!
So true Mo! 🙂
Enjoy your children while they are little, because they grow up so very fast!
This is so true Myna! 🙁
Very touching!! I can relate 🙂
Thanks Krystie! 🙂
No doubt about it, it truly changes you forever!
Happy SITS day!
Yes it does! 🙂
Man, they weren’t kidding when they say “having a baby changes everything”!
Happy SITS day!
So true Mary!
What a beautifully written post. I love the funny yet touching way we fall into motherhood. It really is an adventure. That photo is incredible, by the way. Looks like little doll feet 🙂
Don’t you just love babies feet Crys! 🙂
This is such a beautiful tribute to motherhood. Oh my you are a good writer!
Awww, thanks Lisa. You are SO sweet! 🙂
“I’m no longer the cool young woman that I used to be but I’m ok with that because I’m a better version of myself.” I think this quote pretty much sums it all up. Beautiful post!
Happy SITS Day!
Thanks Jennifer! 🙂
Lovely! I liked your words about a pulse and raspberries.
Thanks Katy!
Beautifully said. While I was never as cool or fashionable as you, I was changed when I became a mother. I felt like I finally had the job I was made for. I have five incredible kids and am grateful for them every day.
Wow, 5 kids! My hat is off to you Miss Robin! 🙂
I agree being a mom is so incredibly amazing! Happy SITS day!
Yes I agree, being a mom is a wonderful gift and one of the hardest yet most rewarding experiences! I love how you embrace it in your post! Happy SITS Day to you Char!
I love this post! Being a mom nineteen years ago was the best thing that every happened to me for sure! Stopping by from SITS! 🙂
Awww, I’m looking forward to saying that nineteen years from now Paula! 🙂
The smiles in your picture tell how happy you are as well as your post. Have a great SITS Day. Nice blog.
Thanks Sheila, I truly feel blessed! 🙂
Wow, beautiful post. I am expecting my first. A surprise baby..I kept telling my husband I “wasn’t ready” and “I’m not sure I’ll be a good mom”…It’s amazing how your priorities change.
Love your blog! My first time here from SITS
JoAnna, I’ll tell you something that someone said to me when I was still pregnant with my first. Please remember this when you are surrounded by other moms or by yourself taking care of your infant, one year old, two year old… “You are the perfect mother for your child!” I know this sentence doesn’t seem like much now but you will need to remind yourself of that time and time again. No one’s going to do a better job loving your child than you!
Congratulations on your surprise baby!
This is one of the most beautiful things I have read! I can completely relate. I thought I was hot stuff before my son was born, but now I realize being with him and making him happy are more important than any pair of shoes or new purse! Glad I found you via SITS day!
Thanks for those sweet words Kim…mommy hi five! 🙂
That is a beautiful post! Totally made me cry! What a wonderful tribute to your children. Happy SITS day! :)-Ashley
Awww, thanks Ashley! 🙂
great post, yes becoming a mom is a wonderful and amazing journey. You siad it so well babe.
stopping by from sits
Awww, you rock Karen! 🙂
Becoming a mom is great, and I only speak from 6 months experience 🙂
Happy Sits Day to you! 🙂
Congratulations on your 6 month old blessing Stephanie!
Beautiful post! Found you on the blog hop, follow back when you can! 🙂
http://sassyshopperreviews.blogspot.com/
Thanks hon, I’m now following you too!
What a beautiful post! And so true 🙂
you have a wonderful blog, i am so happy i discovered it! Thanks so much for visiting me and for your lovely comment on one chloth – five ways. looking forward to reading more from you !
hugs
jutta
Thanks for coming by and visiting my site Jutta!
Cheers,
Char 🙂
It is hard on the ego, isn’t it? Our definitions of ourselves slowly slowly change. One day we look ourselves up and who we used to be is barely recognizable. Some women choose to mourn who they used to be, but some, like you, choose to celebrate who we’ve become! Hurrah, and Happy Mothers’ Day!
Awww, thanks Nicole, what a truly sweet thing to say. Happy Mother’s Day to you too! 🙂
This is great- happy mothers day!
hard on the ego and good for the soul… I’d say, hard on the BODY.. and the house too!
but good… so, so good.
(I love that picture by the way!)
Emily from bloggymoms
http://www.weakandloved.com/
Lol! Totally true hon. Happy Mother’s Day Emily! 🙂
Happy Mother’s day!
Happy Mother’s Day to you too Audra! 🙂
On this wonderful day, my husband celebrates all that I do for our dear daughter. But in reality (though I would never let him know) I celebrate the blessing of becoming a mom! I don’t need or want any presents, not even a card, I’m already the luckiest person on the planet – sharing that feeling with every other mom on mother’s day. Your words have brought tears to my eyes dear Char. I can see that our hearts have melted in the same way for the littlest people in our lives, that hold the biggest place 🙂
Happy Mother’s Day Nancy, it’s great to have such a wonderful mommy friend like you as a part of my community! 🙂
What a very sweet post. I picked it up on Twitter. It’s funny how my Mother’s Day was brought in shortly after midnight with my seven years old have cramps followed by TMI. I said to God, “You sure do have a sense of humor.” All is well today. Happy Mother’s Day to you.
Oh Kenya! I hope your 7 year old feels much better now and that your Mother’s Day turned out to be absolutely wonderful!
Lovely post. I could not agree more. The biggest thing I have learned (and loved) is to give my entire heart to parenting. I love being a mom. Thanks!
That’s so true, I love being a mom too! Happy Mother’s Day Gina! 🙂