I woke up yesterday to a little girl saying, “Time to wake up, Mama! It’s Mudder’s day!” It was also barely light outside, but Mike explained that Annie was too excited about giving me my present to let me sleep any longer. I was handed a large present and a card with a meticulously decorated envelope. After Annie explained every scribble and sticker, I was finally able to open my card and present. It was a long-waited-for child-made present.
She proudly told me all about making the platter, including the colors and shapes. I was so happy to get a present I can always look at and know my little girl helped create.
The rest of the morning I lounged while Mike, Annie, my cousin Leah, and her fiancé Ted put together a delicious brunch for me, my aunt, uncle, dad, and mom. It was nice to avoid the crowds and eat well surrounded by the comforts of home.
After we ate, we took our yearly Mother’s Day photo:
And after everyone left, I took a picture with my girl:
I always took Mother’s Day and other “Hallmark” holidays for granted, until my first Mother’s Day after Maddie died. And yeah, I don’t need a special day just for me – during this pregnancy, Mike and Annie have treated me like every day is Mother’s Day – but spending that particular Sunday as a childless mother was one of the worst days ever. So I think it’s nice to have a day where I celebrate my own mom and grandmothers, and especially my children, who make me feel special every day. It would be easy for me to lay in bed and get swallowed up by what I’ve lost, but I choose to focus on what I have here with me now – while still remembering and loving and missing my other sweet girl. They all made me a mom.
One in my heart, one in my arms, and one on the way.
nicole says:
“One in my heart, one in my arms, and one on the way.” <3<3<3<3<3
I'm glad you had a good Mother's Day.
Mommy says:
That line got me to the ugly cry. Your babies are lucky to have a mommy like you, Heather!
Kirsten says:
I never really cared much for Mother’s Day either. It was never a “thing” in my family, with Mother’s Day always being around my dad’s birthday and Father’s Day always being around my mom’s.
Last week marked the third of my dad’s birthdays since he died, and yesterday was my first Mother’s Day without my mother. Today my heart is so heavy it feels like it wants to fall out of my chest. I miss them so much.
Sue says:
What beautiful photos of all of you, Heather! I especially love the last one, and what you said about the photo. I’m glad that you had a wonderful Mother’s Day!
TamaraL says:
Lovely! So glad you had a nice Mother’s Day.
Elissa says:
My sister in law is literally walking in your shoes. One in her heart, one (well, actually twins…so two) in her arms, and one one the way…” We never stop missing my niece. It has been almost 5 years and I miss her all the time. I know my brother and sister in law miss her even more than I could fathom. There will always be a giant piece of our hearts with a special place for our sweet girls. Maddie matters. Every day. So does Karissa, and every child like them.
Elissa says:
*on the way… Fat fingers, small phone. Lol
Stacey says:
Happy Mother’s Day!
Trisha says:
That last line got me right in the throat! Happy Mother’s Day Heather!!
Jennifer says:
I LOVE getting homemade gifts that have my little one’s markings all over them. I still have a heart shaped dish my 24 year old made me when she was in preschool. I loved it then and still love it now! Precious indeed.
Kerstin says:
Such a sweet post. I think of Maddie every single day, never more so than yesterday. I also have a friend with a son the same age as sweet Annie, a dear baby boy in her heart, and one on the way (due the same time as The Acrobat). You’re both fabulously brave and inspirational moms, I am forever in awe! Happy (belated) Mother’s Day!
Glenda says:
Such a beautiful post. Glad you had a good Mother’s Day!
“One in my heart, one in my arms, and one on the way.” = my fav line of this post!
Annalisa says:
Glad you had a good mother’s day!
And don’t ask me why, but I had a feeling that the Acrobat was showing up this weekend, so when I saw this post I was like, “oh, I guess he’s being a good boy and staying put!” (you’re around 35 weeks now, right? Only 2 more weeks to go!).
Molly says:
So so happy you had a good day–you deserve it! Happy Mothers Day!
amourningmom says:
Beautiful post and pictures. Thank you for sharing. The first Mother’s Day after our son, Jake, had died was awful. Now, 7 years later I have 2 in my arms and 2 in my heart and it is such a bittersweet day. Sending you hugs and hope. xo