Happy Mother's Day!

I can't believe that it's Mother's Day already... where did March and April go? I also can't believe that I actually get to celebrate this day as an actual Mother! This time last year I was barely barely starting to show and still not really feeling a whole lot different or mother-y.
This year I have been initiated into the club... I have been pooped on, spit up on, stayed up all night, held an infant for 12hrs straight, made baby food, changed a diaper or two, given baths, enjoyed sweet smiles and slobbery kisses, heard the first coos and made a fool of myself in song and dance just to win another gummy smile. I have cried, laughed, sweated and given just about my all to this little baby. I am definitely a mother and there's no turnin' back.
I am so thankful on this day for a number of different people.
First of all... my own mom. Being a mom has made me look at her in a whole new light. I picture her young and pregnant with a little toddler already in the house. Then giving birth, nursing, working and taking care of her home. I know that there were times when she probably watched me sleep and stroked my skin and maybe gagged at a diaper or two. Her sacrifices are so evident now that I know what all it takes to be a mom. She was/is always always there for us... ready to listen or help. She stayed up to help me finish many a school project and run me to kinkos at 2am. She has always been my biggest cheerleader. She inspired me to love cooking and to take time to put love into every meal. She taught me to host others and to look for ways to bless others.
I am also thankful for my mother-in-law, who birthed my amazing husband (at home none-the-less!). She has extended loving arms to me since the very first time we met and I am so thankful to have such an amazing family through marriage... many are not as blessed. She is quick to lift us up in prayer and offers her support in every way she can. I am so thankful for her love for Jesus and for our family!
I am also thankful to the many moms here in Louisville who have let me be their shadow... they have taught me hands-on how to take care of little ones. They have shown me the joys and the sorrows and there is no way to express the value of these lessons. Courtney, Mandy, Meghan, Ginger, Heather... the list could go on... but I really am thankful for these women b/c though they are a step ahead in life, they have let me come alongside and treated me as a friend and have encouraged me in my journey of motherhood from the very beginning.
We aren't doing anything spectacular for Mother's Day but I'm sure we'll have some good eats and enjoy the amazing cool weather we are having!
Here's a sneak peek at our garden and our little Spring Chick!


Our first strawberry buds!

We are growing, strawberries, broccoli, zucchini, tomatoes and in the tires there are potatoes and a melon!
Thanks Gigi for my great sunglasses!