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It started with her. My first mothering experience that is. I was the daughter, she was (well, still is) the Momma. She taught me about emotions, love, strength, independence, beauty of self, confidence and all about being a Southern woman in a modern world. She taught me proper grammar, table settings, etiquette, manners and grace. She showed me how to be the best mother I can be through graceful acceptance of her own imperfections.
You gave me life, you changed for me and you continue to inspire me daily with your strength. Even when you feel you are at your weakest… you are still the strongest woman I know.
Thank you Momma. Happy Mother’s Day. I hope the boys treat you right since I’m not there.

On the day Princess was born, so was I. I went from being just Rachel, a woman, a Wife.. to being A Mother. We learned together, we continue to learn together. We stumble, we fall, we get back up again. My child has taught me so much about love, laughter and self. I hope that I can continue to humble myself before her and also show her what true strength is. I hope she will always know that her conception, her birth, her life… have changed me profoundly and I am a better woman and mother because of her.

I never believed that I could love a second child as much as the first. But it’s true. On the day Monkey was born, a new Mother was born again. I became the mother of a boy, a Mother of a second child. This is a different kind of mothering. You must be more adept at multi tasking and being in two places at once. Now with a boy I am charged with raising a man and being the example of the kind of woman he should strive to find. I am the example to which he will compare every girl in his life. What a weight, but what a blessing.
Monkey has changed me with his love, his sensitivity, his brilliance and his sneakiness. He has made me faster, smarter and better.

Mothering is a blessing. Whether your child is born of your body or your heart, you are forever changed the first time you look into their eyes.

Of all jobs we hold in our lives.. being a mother is the hardest and easiest, it is the lowest paying and highest rewarding, it is the most frightening and yet most reassuring. Being a mother is the most profoundly changing experience you will ever have in your life.
For in being a mother, our truest selves are finally revealed.

Happy Mother’s Day to my mother.
Happy Mother’s Day to myself.
Happy Mother’s Day to all of my wonderful Mommy friends.
You are a blessing to your family, your friends and the world as a whole. The future owes itself to you.

I'm a deep-fried Southern belle, married to a cowboy boot wearin', Harley ridin’ Texan Prince Charming. I am the always proud and frequently exhausted mom to two 8th generation Texans My childhood was spent at my Granny's side learning to cook with cast iron, butter and that special southern ingredient -- love Today, I share my passion for food, family and photography with thousands of monthly readers on my blog, A Southern Fairytale. I love cute boots, my Canon camera, belly laughs with friends, the beach, my family and ellipses..."

27 Comments

  4. happy mother’s day! it’s always so emotional to look back at birth pictures… they grow up so fast.

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  5. That was a beautiful tribute to your mother and to yourself and to mother’s everywhere! Happy Mother’s Day, Rachel – I hope it has been wonderful. Kellan

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  9. Could you be any cuter?! (Said like Ross from Friends with each.word.you.must.stop!)

    I don’t know about the second child part, but I do agree with everything you said about the first. And, what you say about being the kind of girl you want your son to respect – although I don’t have to worry b/c mine’s going to be a priest.

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  12. that’s so sweet.

    I often wondered about the second child thing too, would it be possible to love them as much.

    the 70’s picture is great.

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  17. What a lovely post – I too love the pictures – you’re a beauty!

    Hope your Mother’s Day was grand!

    Reply

  18. Lovely post! I remember that feeling, too, of thinking I could never love another child as much as I loved my firstborn. But I did, of course. =)

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  23. Aww…what a sweet post! I love it!

    Thanks for the assurance on loving the second child as much as the first…I LOVE my boy SO MUCH, that the thought of not loving a second child as much has crossed my mind…I still want another one though. Or two. Or three. Heck, I want a dozen. 🙂

    (Not really, God. If You’re paying attention up there. Three or four would be perfect.)

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  25. Beautiful post Rachel!
    Happy belated Mother’s Day – I love the pic of you and your mom!

    Reply

  26. I am so late with visiting the Mother Day posts.. I am so sorry.. I hope you had a beautiful one Rach.. Happy Mother’s Day.. this was a beautiful post!!

    Reply

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