My First True Mother's Day

I can't tell you how lucky I feel to be the Mom of this little family

I celebrated last Mother's Day as a pregnant mother with my first baby and I thought that was fun and rewarding. However, celebrating this year with my first born in my arms was something new and special all in itself. Plus, Josh spoiled the heck out of me (as always) and made me feel like a beloved queen. Thank you baby, you are amazing :).

My special weekend started on Friday with Josh bringing home beautiful roses, chocolate, and an energy drink.

He knows me so well!!

On Saturday morning I headed out to the spa for some serious pampering! Josh had bought me a gift certificate for a full spa day that included a 60 minute massage, 60 minute facial, and a pedicure. LOVE LOVE LOVE HIM!!! I left there feeling so relaxed and extremely happy :).

Waiting for my facial and eating chocolate truffles :)

It was my first experience with a male masseuse and at first I was really nervous but it ended up being the best massage I've ever had! 

pretty toes :)

Sunday (actual Mother's Day) started early with a happy baby who doesn't like to sleep and a trip to IHOP for breakfast. My mom had sent a gift card and we made good use of it. Thanks Mom! The food was yummy and the waiter was sweet and brought me a carnation. Austin was even good the whole time and didn't cause a scene! I felt like I'd hit the jackpot!

Showing Austin my flower. We are still working on the whole smelling flowers and not tearing them to pieces thing.

Austin loves water but hasn't figured out how to suck it out of a straw yet so this is how we do it. Those cheeks! I just want to squeeze them!

Then we went home and tried taking a nap before church. I am not a nap person. I have the hardest time turning off my brain when I know it is day time and I should be doing something. So basically I laid there cuddled up to my hubby and thought about things. I thought about life and how grateful I am for my two boys. And yes, I consider them both boys. I thought about how much we have gone through together over the past few years and how each year has been so different. Not better, not worse, just different. This is our first year as parents and it has been such an amazing journey so far. Although he makes even the most simple things complicated, I can't imagine my life without my sweet baby. I can't imagine going a day without being able to pick him up out of his crib and squeezing him, or chewing on those chubby cheeks that I just can't get enough of. I can't imagine a whole day of not hearing Mama Mama Mama, or a day of not hearing his excited squeals. He is my world and I hope he knows how much he is loved.

Pretty soon it was time to get ready for church. I never get to go to relief society because it always interferes with Austin's nap time so we took two cars this time and Josh took him home after Sunday school so I could enjoy my day with the women. Austin surprised us with how well he did both hours and church was actually enjoyable this time :). During sacrament all the men got up and sang a song to the women. It was beautiful and it even made me tear up a little as I watched those big strong men, some holding sleeping babies, showing their soft side in front of everyone for their wives. The spirit was so strong and I felt so loved by my family, my ward family, and by God.

My loves

Thank you Austin for making me a Mommy

I came home from church to a "home cooked" meal of nachos and stir fry :). Josh was so excited to show me that he had cooked, even though it was a very interesting combination. I love that man. His boyish charm is always making me laugh. We finished off our night with a walk around the neighborhood as the sun was setting and I found myself thanking God for the beautiful life he has created for me. With all of the self reflection, love, and service that I have experienced, I honestly think Mother's Day might just be the greatest day of the year.