Being a mom is pretty much the most difficult job in the world. Sometimes it totally lacks any positive reinforcement, the monetary compensation is lousy, there are no paid days off or sick days, and there are no recognition ceremonies or awards. Kids can run you ragged one day, and fill up your heart with love the next. As a matter of fact, this can change from minute to minute!
I know I was grossly underprepared for what being a mom would be like. I was excited to start a family, and about 3 years after my husband and I got married, we welcomed our little Grace. Boy, was I shocked. I had issues with my labor and delivery, recovery took MONTHS, and I had very little support with breastfeeding. That was a shame since I was producing enough for triplets, was engorged for 3 months, and my daughter had a sour stomach from way too much milk. The plan was not to let her use pacifiers, because that was what I was for, right? Right – until plugging up her mouth with my milkies became the biggest cause of her gas and tummy upset. SIGH!!
Fortunately, my mom was there for me. No, she didn’t do all of my laundry, make all of my meals, and take care of the baby all of the time she was with me. That honestly wouldn’t have been that helpful long-term because I *had* to learn how to do this mom thing. What she did, do, was provide me with a break. She bonded with my daughter. She showed me that she is such an awesome mom!!!
It truly is love and sacrifice to work all day and then come to someone’s house to hold their SCREAMING baby for 2-4 hours every evening while the baby’s mom takes a shower, takes a nap, or watches TV. It’s true love and sacrifice to dedicate all of that time and attention to this little helpless person when her own mother has lost all patience!
My mom rocks.
She has continued to be such an awesome grandma to my kids, and they just love her to pieces. I am pretty sure the feeling is mutual. 🙂 She’s the best Baba in the world!
I am so thankful for her this Mother’s Day and of the love and grace she showed to me as I muddled my way into motherhood myself. She didn’t try to parent my child – but she was just the parent I needed (even though I didn’t know I needed anything at the time!). Thank you, Mom, and Happy Mother’s Day!
The following is written in partnership with JOHNSON’S® Baby and The Motherhood. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Watch This To Help Other Moms! For every view of the “You’re Doing OK, Mom” video (below) between now and Mother’s Day, JOHNSON’S® Baby will donate $1 to Save the Children®, up to $50,000. Watch this video now, and help us send a message of love to a deserving mom.
Join in the Fun, and Win Prizes!
Come on and hang out with other moms and join JOHNSON’S® Baby for a special Twitter party as we share stories and remind moms that, “You’re doing OK.” What a perfect way to lead up to Mother’s Day! Feel refreshed, reassured, and recognized as we chit chat together – and several will win great prizes!
- When: Thursday, May 8, at 1p ET (12p CT / 10a PT)
- Where: On Twitter, follow the #YoureDoingOKMom hashtag to track the conversation. Check out the invitation for all the details and RSVP using the Twtvite: http://twtvite.com/youredoingokmom
- Hashtag: #YoureDoingOKMom
- Prizes: There will be five prizes awarded to randomly selected participants who correctly answer the trivia questions tweeted by @theMotherhood25. Each prize includes an assortment of JOHNSON’S® Baby products worth $50 in value. Prizes are limited to U.S. participants only, ages 18 and older.
- Hosts: @theMotherhood, @theMotherhood25, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann
Katie Harding says
Thank goodness for mom’s right? I am getting ready to have my third child this summer and I do not know what I would do without my mom, we are so lucky to have her so close, Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Jenn says
Boy, it does make such a difference! 🙂 What a blessing for you.
Happy Mother’s Day to you, Katie.
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Gena says
That video is TOO precious! It’s great, because so many moms are so hard on themselves. I used to be like that, thank goodness I loosened up! lol
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Stephanie says
Soooo sweet. Happy Mother’s Day, Jenn!! I don’t know how you do it all!!
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Laura Smith says
You are so lucky to have such great support.
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Alice Chase says
It is so reassuring to just have someone there telling you that what you are doing really is enough. What a great support you have in your mom. Happy Mothers Day ( a little early!)
Alice Chase recently posted…DIY Deodorant– that really works!
Carrie says
My mom was also a HUGE help after having both kids. I don’t think I could’ve done it without her after my second child was born…she stayed and entertained the oldest and held the youngest while I showered. Moms are the best!
Happy Mother’s Day to you! 🙂
Carrie recently posted…Stonyfield Organic Yogurt Pouches for Kids are (FINALLY) Here!
Danielle says
It sounds like YOU are an amazing mom and you HAVE an amazing moms!! Moms really are the best ever!! Happy Mothers Day!
paula schuck says
I love this post. What a great tribute to your mom. You are very lucky to have her. I hope you give her a big fat hug and take her some flowers or something nice. Last year right before Mother’s Day my mom passed away suddenly. I’d give anything to have her here to share one more Mother’s Day with. Treasure your time together. It is sometimes shorter than you think.
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