My First Mother's Day

I hope all you mamas out there had a lovely Mother’s Day yesterday! It was a special one for me, since it was my first as a mom! I woke up to Adina’s big smile and some sweet texts and cards from friends. Michael made me challah French toast for breakfast - my favorite! Then we drove to NJ for lunch at my grandma’s house with my whole family. It was so much fun to watch Adina play with my aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was especially wonderful to see her giggle and coo with her great-grandmother! Not only did we get to celebrate over a delicious bagel spread and my grandma’s famous baked mac & cheese, but my family also surprised Michael and me for our birthdays with cards and thoughtful gifts! They brought out a cake and apple pie with birthday candles and sang to us. I was definitely not expecting that!

When we got back home, Michael, Adina, and I enjoyed a relaxing evening in our backyard on our new hammock. We grilled some chicken for dinner and sang some of Adina’s favorite songs to her before bed. Yesterday reminded me how grateful and lucky I am to be a mother. I’m barely 7 months into my motherhood journey and although it is messy, exhausting, and probably the most challenging thing I’ve ever done, it is also so rewarding and fills my heart up so much!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas, mama-figures, soon-to-be mamas, and fur mamas! I am also thinking about all of those who have lost their mothers, mothers and children with strained relationships, those who have chosen not to be mothers, those yearning to be a mother, and the mothers who have lost children. You are so loved.

Yesterday was a beautiful day that I’ll always remember!

Love, Ariel