"Wahhhhhhhh Wahhhhhhh Wahhhhhhh WAHHHHHHHH WAHHHHHHH!"
Hey there, I see you. I see you struggling. I see you rocking your baby and looking into her deep blue eyes. I see you doing everything in your power to soothe and love her through her wails. I understand your longing for something to work so you can get back to sleep. Remember sleep? I know you love her through the restlessness and weariness of new motherhood. I know you look at her and wonder who she will become, what she will look like, and how she might change the world for the better. She will, she's got you to guide her through the cries, toddles, and tears.
"No no no no no no!"
Hey there, I see you. I see you looking at your toddler with eyes bulging out of your head. As she screams no at you and runs away. As she hits or bites and you worry because you didn't teach her those things. I see you wonder when these days might move forward, faster rather than slower. I see the light in your eyes as she learns something new and is excited to show you. I watch you love her unconditionally and without abandon. I know you see something special in her. You wonder if her block towers will lead to construction or architecture as a profession. You breathe in her little being as you embrace the cuddles, read a book, and kiss her head goodnight.
"Knock knock, who's there?"
Hey there, I see you. I see you sitting in amazement of how much your little one has grown. Cuddles are hit or miss and she's become incredibly independent. I watch as you sit in amazement at her preschool programs as she belts out the chorus above everyone else. I love how you laugh at every single knock knock joke although it makes absolutely no sense and encourage her to come up with more. I see you pour yourself into her through guidance and love. As you bake cookies, watch a movie, blow kisses from across the room, and marvel at how tall she's gotten in the last few months, know your investment in her is abundant.
In this season of love and giving, it's easy to look back and dismiss all you've done for your child. I see you. I see all of your hard work throughout the happiest of days as well as the most challenging of days. I see you and I thank you. I thank you for investing in them and giving all of yourself as you watch them grow in compassion and love. You, my friend, are one of the greatest gifts of all. You are a mother.