The Magic of Motherhood: The Good Stuff, the Hard Stuff, and Everything In Between

If I measure each day by my list, the days are not always very good, but when I look at each day like it is their day too, because it is their day, well, then most days are better. A lot better.

The longer we parent, the better we get at this role change. It’s not just about learning to discipline well; it’s about learning that love is made real when it is tested, in the times we have to be someone we never thought we would be.

I hope they are unapologetic with their confidence. I hope they are a force to be reckoned with.

Each precious child has challenged me to let go of the vision of the mom I wanted to be so I could be the mom my kids need.

You are not weak if you need backup. You aren’t needy if you ask your husband to take a late-night diaper change. You are not lazy if you ask grandparents to watch the kids sometimes, or if you hire a housecleaner because you barely have time to bathe yourself, let alone scrub the tile.

Listen to me carefully, Momma: score-keeping has no place in your marriage. The best thing you can do for yourself and for each other is to say “thank you” and “I love you” as much as possible. Be grateful. Be appreciative. Offer each other grace upon grace upon grace. You’ve never needed it this much.