I’ve said before on this blog that I never knew how much the Earth would shift when I became a mother. Little did I know how much more it would shift when I gave birth to my baby girl. I’ve experienced things in the last few months that I never knew existed in motherhood. I’ve reached emotions that I never knew I had and there were many days I was shaken to the core.
I can’t speak for anyone but myself. I can’t provide the perfect answer or offer the “right” advice in parenting for any other mother since I only know what is best for me, my child and my family. I’ve written in the past about the power of a mother’s intuition and I firmly stand by that statement with such conviction.
I was watching my daughter recently traveling through a field of sunflowers. She reminded me of the beauty of simplicity. As she kept walking it was so obvious that she was just another variable amidst these beautiful sunflowers. She’s never static, her body and spirit purely kinetic; moving sometimes what seems to be the speed of light. And she is so curious about everything. Even one of life’s simplest treasures like the smell and touch of a sunflower peaked her interest.
As I continued to stand at a distance and watch my daughter roam the field of sunflowers I realized that the future is uncertain for us right now and we are about to embark on some uncharted territory. A road never traveled with the unsettling feeling of fear of the unknown very present among us…
But after taking a deep breath, my fears subsided as I looked into the face of this beautiful little being and I am reminded why she was put on this Earth – because from her very first breath she truly stole my heart.
And although I am meandering through so much uncertainty right now, there is one thing I do know for sure. That God gave me this little girl – to love, protect, guide, and honor. And with every fiber of my being I will do that every single day of my life until the day I die. Because I am a mother and that’s what mothers do.
Yes my baby girl, regardless of how hard the road ahead may be, I will be right by your side – loving you, fighting for you, and supporting you every step of the way.
This, my little wildflower, is what I know for sure.
I know this feeling so well. And I know, as you express so beautifully here, the power of just letting the reality of our children bring us back to what really matters.
Beautiful.
I had two boys for 7 years before my daughter was born. My world shifted, and my heart hasn’t been the same since.
.-= GlowinGirl´s last blog ..A Man with a Maiden =-.
That was so beautifully written! She’s going to be just fine with a mom like you by her side!
.-= A Little Cup of Comfort´s last blog ..Kitchen Adventures with a Culinary Goddess =-.
I had my girls first then my boys. Things are sure different! I wish I knew what to appreciate with my girls back then. Lovely pictures!
Yes…I’m totally with you on the mother’s intuition and honoring our daughters. I think all of us should have a beautiful field full of flowers so we can see the real wonder of our children.
Beautiful post!
Our daughters are such a special part of our lives
You are a great mama and this little girl is very lucky to have you
.-= Corine (Complicated Mama)´s last blog ..This is your brain on Trash-tastic Television. Any Questions? =-.
Beautifully written!
I’ve heard it said that our children choose us (parents) long before they ever come into this world and it’s up to us to become the parents they need. And I never understood what this meant until I became a mother. Now, though, I get it. Our daughters (and sons) are already perfectly crafted people when they come into this world. It’s not our job to change them into some ideal of what “fits”, but rather to nurture them and help them grow into whatever they are destined to become.
I LOVE that you wrote “to honor” your little girl – sounds like your little girl chose the perfect Mommy for her! All the best to you and your family
.-= Dear Sydney´s last blog ..Daddy doesn’t speak spanish … =-.
“It’s not our job to change them into some ideal of what “fits”, but rather to nurture them and help them grow into whatever they are destined to become. ” <—– I can't tell you how much I relate to that. WOW. Puts everything into perspective for sure. And yes, honoring our daughters I think is SO important. 😉
What a beautiful post! Motherhood is definitely uncertain, but the greatest gift we can ever be given. I loved the photos too…just beautiful. I am really hoping that everything is ok with you and your little ones!
.-= The Mommyologist´s last blog ..I Auditioned for Oprah! =-.
Thanks Mary – I am taking it one day at a time.
awwwwww. so cute your lo.
.-= Susie @newdaynewlesson´s last blog ..The Kindness Club: Week 10 Prompt =-.
Pretty pictures! Daughters are a special thing; I’ve got 2 of my own.
.-= A Belle, A Bean & A Chicago Dog´s last blog ..Mothers of Boys Take Note =-.
This post really made me smile. I feel this way so much. I don’t know when I’m finally going to find a job and get back to work and we don’t always know how we are going to make ends meet from one month to the next but I look at Madison and know we can figure it out because my one job is to protect her.
Love this.
Beautiful. The pictures are such a moment in time. She’ll be so much bigger next year…right now, she’s at the cusp of babyhood.
Hang on.
.-= Alexandra´s last blog ..Baby Villa =-.
Wow this was a very touching post. Its amazing how much we can love someone and how we will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. I pray that everything works out for you and your beautiful daughter.
Thank you so much for that Tina. I am praying, too. 😉
I’m so sorry you’re going through a rough time right now. I think i’ve shared this before with you, but my youngest has epilepsy. Diagnosed at only 4 months old. That was the scariest time of my life. Filled with unanswered questions about how he would develop. If he would be normal, etc. And no one could answer them. Only time would tell us.
You are an amazingly strong woman. I’m sure you will make it through this!
And your daughter is so adorable.
.-= Kmama´s last blog ..Monday Minute: 6/14/10 =-.
Kmama – The support I feel from bloggers like you have made this experience easier for me to navigate and share. I appreciate your comments more than you know.
xoxo
She’s beautiful and you have a beautiful heart.
.-= Mungee’s Ma´s last blog ..Mungee’s First Days – Part 2 =-.
I love this, regardless of the situation one is facing with one’s children I think any mother can relate. I had a long talk with a close friend last night about how terrified I was when I learned I was having a daughter, as my relationship with my own mother is far from simple or easy. But she’s taught me that it’s not about ME, it’s about her. If any of my own issues get worked out as I parent her that’s neat, but that’s also not part of her job or mine. Her job is to grow into who she’s supposed to be and my job is to allow that to happen or as you say to love, protect, guide and honor her as she grows. You have to parent the child you were given, not the child you dreamed, imagined or assumed you would have.
.-= Mae´s last blog ..In which I forget how to be me =-.
Amen Mae! Very well said and I totally agree – my daughter has shown me things and taught me things I never even knew about myself. And she was brought into my life for a reason – “Her job is to grow into who she’s supposed to be and my job is to allow that to happen…” <—–Thank you SO MUCH for that.
Lovely child, lovely post, lovely mother…
My greatest joy in parenting is watching my children discover who they are and what the world around them is. I sincerely appreciate their uniqueness and am continually amazed by them. I find nothing more calming than holding them while they breathe — I am instantly grounded.
.-= IASoupMama´s last blog ..Ultra Violet =-.
Instantly grounded in just a glance and a breath. My thoughts exactly.
We do sometimes forget why our children were given to us. Our minds and thoughts get clouded with fear and all the things that society tells us we have to do in order to be good parents and to have good kids. It’s nice to be reminded to throw those things and that fear out the window and just appreciate the time and incredible gift we have in front us.
I cherish every second with Moo. I don’t expect her to be perfect and always encourage her to be herself.
.-= Yummommy´s last blog ..YUMMommy Receives Trendy Blog Award!!! =-.
Such a beautiful and heartfelt post, Heather! Thank you for sharing this. She’s a beauty!
This is beautiful. I love the way you captured the fierceness of your love for your daughter. This is how I feel every day about mine. And I will probably do so until my last breath on this earth.
They are truly a miracle aren’t they?
.-= Justine´s last blog ..Do you eat dog? =-.
Sigh….I know exactly what you mean….
it’s strange that we all feel the same way about our babies!
love her tee!
~ash’s mum
Geez, I’m a little teary over here!
I wish you and your family nothing but the best on the road ahead.
.-= Kristin @ Ellie-Town´s last blog ..One Year Ago {Wordless Wednesday} =-.
Aww, that was lovely. Daughters are special (I have 5 of them!). The bond you have with her over the years will change and evolve but that bond will always be incredibly strong.
Absolutely beautiful. I feel exactly the same about my girls, but you put it into words so much better than I can.
Enjoy your beautiful little girl!
.-= Mandy´s last blog ..weekend at grumpy’s (and grandma’s) =-.
Thanks for such a sweet comment Mandy!
What a wonderful post. The best part is someday your daughter will look back at this and know that from the very beginning she was everything to you! (Not that you won’t TELL her but we all know that kids NEVER actually believe anything their parents tell them ;))
.-= Carrie´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday: The next generation of Cirque du Soleil =-.
Carrie – I can’t wait for the day that my kids will read my blog. Will be one fine day for sure!!!
simply beautiful! kids are so worth whatever mountain you have to climb, whatever hot coals you have to walk across, whatever oceans you have to swim. just because.
.-= Teresha@ Marlie and Me´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Where is Thumbkin? =-.
OK, I have to wipe away the tears so I can write!!!! I feel the same way about my little girl. From the day the doctor put her in my arms, and I dare say even more when they told me she had Tuberous Sclerosis. My love for her is so fierce. All I can remember about what I felt when I heard her diagnosis was “I will fight for her with every part of my being! She will know she is loved and happy no matter what comes. My job is to protect her!”
I found the card for her and I have it framed in her room – I thought you guys might enjoy it –
“Your birth was a joy and a blessing! I have learned so much about myself from loving you and learning to accept you as you are. Watching you grow and develop has provided me with some of my greatest joys, and I thank God for the gift of being your parent. Thank you for sharing all that is uniquely you. I Love You!”
Hug your little girl tight and never let go!!!!!
What a sweet post. The bond between mother and daughter is truly special.
The way you describe her sounds a lot like my son. He is always reminding me to stop and smell the roses, both figuratively and literally.
There is always a fear of the unknown. I know you have a great support group here to listen if need by. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.
.-= All You Need is Love´s last blog ..Say Cheese! =-.
I don’t have a daughter, but I feel the same way about my sons. I am only here to nurture them and protect them and to let them become who they are meant to be, who they came into this Earth to be. I have to guide and get out of the way. I’m sorry you are going through a tough time. Take care of yourself and that little girl of yours.
.-= Amo´s last blog ..Continuation of yesterday’s Money Monday or Wow! That’s one charred tortilla! =-.
Thanks so much Amo!
Such a beautiful will written post! I am learning so much from you and others. Wish when I was raising my daughters that there was a blogging world. Your daughter will be ok because she has you to see that she will be!!
.-= gayle´s last blog ..My Dad =-.
I am thinking about you! And hoping for the best; whatever that may be for you and your situation.
I do not take one single minute of any day for granted. As a mom of one child on the Autism Spectrum (where what you said about the future being unknown relates to everyday for the rest of our lives) and the mom of a 1 year we almost lost several times after birth, I appreciate them. Looking back at my son’s diagnosis period and the blood transfusions my little one had at 1 week old to save his life in the NICU help me keep things in perspective…big time.
.-= Mommy To Two Boys´s last blog ..Doesn’t a red light mean STOP? =-.
Thanks so much Jean – I am taking it one day at a time and I know I am doing what is BEST for her.
such a lovely post….your daughter is beautiful….i’ll keep you in my thoughts that everything is okay with you guys – I know I haven’t posted in awhile, but I was catching up today on your blog
It is amazing what our kids can teach us on a daily basis (nevermind what we supposedly teach our children – lol!)
.-= Jackie @ 3 Little Ones´s last blog ..Sarahsewta Giveaway! =-.
Beautiful post. Being a parent means making decisions daily for and about our child, never quite knowing if we are making the right ones or not. But if we listen, really listen to our children and our own hearts then chances are we will get it right more often than we get it wrong.
Whatever you are about to embark upon I wish you luck – knowing how much you love your daughter and want the very best for her I also know you have a lot more than luck on your side already.
Aging Mommy – Thanks so much for your words of encouragement. I know in my heart I am doing what is BEST for her – at at the end of the day, that’s all that really matters, right?
what a gorgeous little girl!
.-= ericka @ alabaster cow´s last blog ..HAPPY 1ST ANNIVERSARY ALABASTER COW! =-.
Thanks mama!
xoxo
Thats just beautiful !!! I always wanted a girl !!!
.-= Shafeena´s last blog ..Thanx Papa… =-.
Totally tearing up here during my rush hour commute..theta mom, you can’t do this to me woman! Love this post and your words and your beautiful daughter.
My girls are the only two things that I ever really wanted.
I am sorry you are going through such tough times but you will live more fully when you come through the other side.
Xoxo
Sadie at heyMamas
Sadie- You always manage to say the PERFECT things on this blog. Thanks for always reading and being such a big part of this space. It means more than you know…
Awwww – you said it so well! This brought tears to my eyes. I miss when my daughter was that tiny – but it only gets better and better.
.-= Jane´s last blog ..It’s A Little Too Little, It’s A Little Too Late =-.
Heather I keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers regularly. I am sorry you are going through a difficult time. The struggles as a mother are so intense because our love is so deep and incredibly fierce. Our children’s love for us echo’s that emotion. She is beautiful and her vibrant personality is full of a fierce love for you, her wonderful mama! Sending you cyber hugs until I can give you one for reals at Blogher!
.-= Brittany at Mommy Words´s last blog ..The Kids Milked Me =-.
Can’t wait to meet you, too Brittany. You are an awesome bloggy friend.
That brought tears to my eyes. Very touching.
Heather, you just made me cry! So beautiful. Honoring our children, I love so much that you touched on that.
.-= Your Mommy Friend Lori´s last blog ..A Match Made in Heaven =-.
i loved this post heather! there is NOTHING as beautiful and special as our children! enjoy your daughter as she grows, she will change right before your eyes and become a young lady… i know i’ve been there and it is amazing to see! relish these little moments for they make up our lives! have a great day and holla!
shelley
I want to always feel the way the do right now. Always convey to her that you are there NO MATTER WHAT because the no matter whats will come and she will need you. Enjoy the journey.
.-= Grammy´s last blog ..Back on Track =-.
This is so beautiful and so different than my last post about my girls, which really makes me laugh. Let’s just say I was having a moment. Now if I could find a sunflower field that we could all run through, maybe I find the beauty in the fact that right now my oldest is screaming, “where’s the papi??!!” (her pacifier). jeez.
So true. Having a daughter changes your world. When I was pregnant I was so against anything princess and super girly..but I have the girliest girl in the world and love every minute. To see her embrace her girliness and take the world “cute and pink” just makes me so happy. Oh…I see a post coming!
.-= AZLB´s last blog ..Working from home when nobody’s there =-.
This was beautiful. You have such an eloquent way with words. There is something about the primitive emotions we have in regards to our children, especially when times are hard that seems to truly change how we see ourselves and how we see the world.
.-= The Practical Mom Guide´s last blog ..Memories of a Father =-.
so cute!!!!
What a beautiful, touching post. So true! And yes, that is what us mother’s do!
.-= Nichol´s last blog ..Friendly Friday! =-.
What a beautiful post. And oh so true!
.-= Stefanie´s last blog ..We’re Going To Miss This! =-.