Mother’s Day: Thoughts From A Toddler Mom

Yes, this photo is from our holiday photos, but we’re rolling with it because my kid won’t sit still for a cute photo with me at this current phase of toddler. And let’s be honest, I never even think to snap a photo of us when we’re both cute. Thank you for your understanding.

My mom called me several weeks ago asking what I wanted to do for Mother’s Day and I was like,

“Umm, shouldn’t I be asking you??”

Until I realized that I, too, am a mother and I get celebrated.

I’m 2 for 2 in remembering that I am included in Mother’s Day. Maybe next year it will click.

But, now that I’ve got a little over a full year of being a mom under my belt, I know how wonderful and exhausting and sweet and scary and amazing it is. As Will grows, I get a front row seat to every milestone, every bump or scratch, every new word and every new experience. I have the gift of watching his little personality unfold as he grows into the boy and eventually, the man God has created him to be. It is the most incredible thing to be his mom.

I remember the morning after Will was born, I went in to the NICU to see him and they asked,

“Are you Will’s mom?”

And just for a moment, I paused, because that was the first time I had ever been called that, and realized I had acquired a brand new identity - just like that. I hadn’t really prepared for being addressed and identified by someone else’s name.

Overnight, I gained a new facet of myself and before I knew it, I wasn’t just Rebekah. I was now “Will’s mom”. And that was that.

I’ve been Will’s mom for just about 17 months now, and it’s one of my favorite things. I love being “Will’s mom” to the nursery staff at our church and I can’t wait to be “Will’s mom” as he grows into a little boy and gets involved in whatever it is he sets his heart on.

Okay, that was a lie. Yes I can ABSOLUTELY wait until he’s a big boy. He can stay my little guy as long as he wants. I love it. But you get the point.

For the rest of my life, I’ll be “Will’s mom”, and all the things that come with that - the snuggles, the tears, the giggles, the boogers, the new teeth, the cheerios in my car, the constant singing, the car rides, the ice cream cones, the skinned knees, and so much more - is one of the best gifts I’ve ever been given.

If you’re a mom, whoever’s mom you are, you get it. I wish you every good thing this Mother’s Day. Whether or not it comes true, I wish you a quiet morning, nice weather, and a hug or sweet note from your kid(s). You are such a good mom and you’re doing a great job.

If you’re not a mom, maybe send this to your mom (or any mom you know) and thank her for being “your mom”. She’s the best, isn’t she?

To my own mother - thank you for adding “Rebekah’s mom” to your identity for the last 30 years. I don’t deserve a bit of all you’ve done for me. I love you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

For more Mother’s Day content, check out these previous posts:

Mother’s Day Thoughts (+ Gift Ideas)

Life Lessons From My Mom

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.” Psalm 139:13

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” Proverbs 31:28-29