I just got back from the first baby shower I’ve ever attended. The woman of honor was my new friend Lindsay, who is about to have her second daughter! While some of us who attended had never had children, there were a few experienced moms there who gladly shared some wisdom. Forgive yourself for letting go and allow the older child to watch TV, one mom said. Another one chimed in, don’t compare yourself to others or to who you used to be; it’s okay to not be able to do what you used to. Dirty dishes left overnight aren’t that bad. And finally another, Keep those date nights for your marriage and also some time to yourself.
Wow. If I hadn’t already been intimidated by motherhood, I certainly am now. And having adored my own mother since the day I was born, I realize what an incredible job it must be. We often talk about motherhood as an issue of work/life balance or sharing the parenting role with the father, but those of us who’ve not been there can hardly fathom the sacrifice that is called for. And while I realize that I’m likely the billionth person to say this, good parenting is an unbelievably self-effacing, self-sacrificing job– and also a great honor. We say this again and again because it is so true.
I was so happy to have my mom walk down the aisle before me at my wedding, holding a candle as a symbol of leading the way for me. She was brave throughout my childhood and she is brave today! I loved being able to celebrate that moment with her by my side.
Our relationships with our parents inevitably change over time. We develop independence and eventually determine for ourselves who we desire to be and how we want to live. And yet, if we’re fortunate, we maintain ties to our parents that last many seasons beyond our childhood. Parenthood slowly because friendship; and for me, there’s always that enduring admiration.
As I’m sure so many other women and men would testify, I would not be who I am without my mother. I love you, Mom!
{Check out last week’s wedding snapshots: entrances and exits}
Thank you so much! I really appreciate you stopping by, Jen 🙂
What a beautiful post! The advice these women shared is so honest and appreciated. Thank you for sharing!
XO Jen | The Single Diaries
http://www.thesinglediaries.com
Thank you so much Kiki! I did read your post today!! Mothers are incredible– especially those who continue to teach us and love us even when we’re married and have our own families 🙂
Thank you so much Jaelan! Yes, she’s fantastic– I love learning from her 🙂
Thanks Marielle! Our photographers were incredible. And yeah– I don’t know if the candle is a tradition or something I just made up. Maybe it’ll catch on 😉 I’m so grateful for the sacrifices my parents made as well; they are imperfect people (like everyone else) but offered their utmost in raising me.
Thank you so much Jenny! And yes– mothers are such admirable people. Thank you so much for stopping by 🙂
Thank you so much Tina! My mom’s joy of life is most certainly contagious!!
This is lovely. Ironically I too had a post dedicated to my mother in the works. It’s amazing how one person can shape our lives so much. Beautiful photos. (:
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Moms are absolutely the best. These are gorgeous photos of your mom. What an exuberant lady! I can tell where you get it from.
Those photos are lovely! I’ve never heard of the candle tradition, love it!
The thought of being a parent is so intimidating. I so agree with this: “good parenting is an unbelievably self-effacing, self-sacrificing job– and also a great honor.” My parents really put us first, always, and I don’t think I could do so as gracefully.
Great post Daisy. You and your mom both look so beautiful!
“Don’t compare yourself to others” is my favourite piece of advice. Nothing steals your joy or confidence quicker than comparing yourself!
Your mother sounds like an amazing woman and your post made me think of all the sacrifices my mother made in raising me. I am definitely intimidated at the thought of motherhood, but I hope to have the honor some day!
Jenny
Stuff I Love
What a sweet post! Your mom is so cute and her smile seems very contagious! 🙂
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Aw thanks so much Erin! You are so sweet! She is really a joyful person– something I really admire about her 🙂
Aw so glad to hear that Lauren 🙂 I’m loving an opportunity to showcase the lovely photography! And thank you– because sometimes I’ll type for a full minute and then realize I have no idea what I just wrote…
Aw thank you! So happy to be able to share this:)
Thanks Sarah!! She totally is– she’s super energetic all the time… haha. Thank you so much for stopping by 🙂
Thanks so much 🙂 I really appreciate you stopping by!
Aw thank you so much Sarah! 🙂
Thank you so much Elmira! You are so kind 🙂 And I can only imagine the changes that happen as your family grows! Thanks so much for reading, I hope you’ve had a lovely weekend.
Aw thank you Marlen! We are so fortunate to have had amazing mothers! I only hope to live up to that if/when I become a mom. Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend, friend!
Thank you Jenna! I was so glad to have her (and two other lady mentors) walk down the aisle– I wouldn’t be who I am today without them! 🙂
Thanks so much Sarah! I really appreciate you stopping by 🙂
Thank you so much, Shireen! You are so kind 🙂 Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend!
Aw thank you Gina!! You are so sweet– it is such a blessing to have my mom in my life 🙂
Thanks Heidi 🙂
Thanks girl! And we did– our photographers were incredible. Thanks for stopping by, Joi!
Thanks Denise!! The baby shower was really great. Thank you so much for reading 🙂
Thank you so much Joanna! So great to to hear you have an incredible mom too– we are so fortunate! 🙂
Thanks so much Deniz:) You are so kind, thanks for reading 🙂
Thanks Rachel, you are so kind. I’m so grateful for you reading and appreciating my posts! <3
Aww haha Miriam you are so sweet! So glad you enjoyed this 🙂 Thanks for reading it, that means a lot to me. xo
Thanks so much Lee!! You are so kind, I really appreciate it!:)
Thank you so much Amber, you’re so kind. Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend– thanks for reading 🙂
She has joy and happiness written all over her face in each picture! What a beautiful memory that a mother and daughter can share! 🙂
xo Erin
http://www.winkandatwirl.com
Awww… this post made me think of how much I appreciate my own mom. :0)
Really loving this snapshot series, Daisy. As with all your posts, the writing is on point. Keep it up!
A beautiful lady on the outside AND more important, also on the inside! So great of you to acknowledge that.
Oh my gosh! Your mom is so freakin’ cute! I love that last picture of her. She seems so upbeat and spunky! Totally see the resemblance.
– Sarah 🙂
http://www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com
Your mum is really cute….really great post!
P.S. Thanks a lot for a lovely comments on my blog…new post is now live….
http://www.fashionpumpkin.com
Daisy! Your mom is absolutely adorable! I love how the candle symbolized her leading the way for you–that is so uniquely beautiful!
That is cool that you mom was walking before you with a candle. Daisy, in my opinion motherhood and parenthood in general are such a complicated journey of life that I am still learning the complexity of it everyday along with my kids. I’d had no idea how much my life would have changed after having them.
xo
Elmira
http://www.wellputtogetherstylebyelmira.com
That candle symbolism is beautiful- it gave me little goosebumps! And this was such an endearing post- I feel just the same about my momma. She’s definitely someone to look up to and beautiful inside and out. And I’ve been to a baby shower only once too and felt the same kind of intimidation slash awe as the experienced moms started rattling off tips like it aint nothing. It’s really cool to see them so in their element- they seemed so wise and special at that moment 🙂
xo marlen
Messages on a Napkin
This is such a sweet post! Your mother is beautiful–like you! I love that she walked down the aisle with a candle. Such a sweet way to symbolize her lighting the path for you. Love this! It looks like you had such a beautiful wedding!
aww your mum is so beautiful and adorable. I love all the smiles <3
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Oh Daisy, this is such a beautiful post. Your mother is gorgeous, it’s clear where you get your beauty from. xx
Reflection of Sanity
This is beautiful, Daisy. Loved seeing some special memories of your life! Your mom sounds like an amazing lady and I’m so glad you are able to have wonderful experiences with her! 🙂
Such a sweet tribute!
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
your mom is lovely. Such great photos, you had a great photographer
Hope the baby shower was a good time! Such a great post here! Your mom looks absolutely adorable and like such a wonderful person. So great you paid tribute to her.
Denise
http://www.fashionloveletters.com
What a touching post. Your mom is beautiful and your love for her really comes through. I have an incredible mom and can definitely relate to this.
lovejoanna.com
This is such a sweet post – she looks so happy (understandably (: ))!
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
This is such a sweet post, Daisy! I truly love it. It stirred up so many emotions I’m at a loss for words.
<3
Ughhhhhhhhhhhh Freak sake! I am no longer looking at your post without getting a pack of tissues first. Your writing is so deep. Really touching!
DiscoverMe
This is a lovely tribute! I wish continued blessings for your mom. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Daisy 🙂
Your mom is so cute! This is a very sweet post. =)
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I hope you are having a great weekend!
Amber