Happy Mother's Day (One Week Late)

We just got back from our first family trip, (a four-day stay in the Outer Banks for a wedding), so this post is a little late.

But I couldn't go without saying Happy Mother's Day to all Moms out there, especially the mothers who have made such a difference in my life- my Mom, who is nothing short of my hero, my amazing grandmothers, Reba and Elsie, who taught me countless lessons about what it means to be a woman and mother, my cousin Rhonda and Aunt Wendy, who helped to raise me as a young girl and helped me become who I am today, and the new women I am so lucky to now call Moms and Grandmoms- Sharon, Judy, Betty, and Alice, who have also been an inspiration to me since I met Bill.

I have such a new appreciation for moms everywhere and all they do... so happy, happy mother's day to you all...

As for us here, Mother's Day was very quick. I was lucky to have my mom with me for the weekend, and she watched her new grandson while I worked the night shift both Saturday and Sunday. I woke up for a few quick hours on Sunday afternoon to have a family dinner at Alice's (Bill's grandmother), which was fabulous as usual. Then, I cried all the way back to work, which I haven't done since the first night I had to leave Braden.

I know I'm very lucky to only have to work about two 12-hour night shifts a week now, but sometimes leaving is so hard. On Mother's Day, I was so grateful and overwhelmed to finally be included as a mother, but I hardly felt like one as I left my baby behind after only seeing him for a very short time.

But, I guess he still loves me, because he gave me this beautiful card that I will cherish forever!



(It says "Mom, I'll always look up to you" and someone- thanks, Mom- attached his smiling face and traced his handprint inside)



And his Daddy gave me these beautiful diamond earrings as a thank you for bringing our son into the world.




I think I have the best two men in the world.

{Seeley Family, Mother's Day 2008}