Happy Malawian Mother's Day!

Tomorrow is Mother's Day in Malawi, so I decided to do an extra special surprise mother's day post. Mother's day has brought a whole new meaning to me (obviously). I certainly appreciate mothers a lot more than I ever have before. So, I thought this would be fun because it is so unexpected for all of you mothers! So, happy mother's day to:

My gama (my mom's mom)

Grandma Todd (Dan's grandmother on his mom's side)

Dan's mom and my mother-in-law Candace (don't mind Dan's brother...)

My marmie, Susie

My older sister, Sarah

All of my dear friends who have had babies in the last year!

Piper and her daughter Aine (who is only 3 weeks younger than Eli)

Jessica with Ezra, Ashley with Mason and Kellie with Caitlin

My good friend Kathryn. I am sooo thankful for her! God was good in making her a mother before me...she has been so helpful to me!

And now, my three favorite moms and why:


Number 1: MY MOM (of course!)

There are so many reasons why I think my mom is the absolute greatest, but here a just a few.
1. She practically raised all 5 of use crazy kids out in the middle of nowhere and never quite. I certainly put her through a lot (especially during high school) but she was always gentle with me and so forgiving.
2. She is supportive of me being in Africa (and other things I do in life) even though it is painful for us to be so far away, especially with her new little grandson. This is a picture of the day I said goodbye to her (with my lil' sister abby) two summers ago.
3. She was so good at taking care of Eli and I before, during and after the birth! I have never met anyone who's mother delivered their child! I'm sure it's been done before, don't get me wrong...I just think it is so special! My mom was an amazing coach during labor and a wonderful nurse before and after the birth. I will always admire her for her work.

Number 2: My Big Sister

My sister Sarah has always been someone that I look up to. When Amos was born, I began to see a whole new side to my sister while watching her become a mother. It wasn't a pretty or easy birth and the months following Amos' arrival were difficult as well. Amos was born 2 months early and was hospitalized complete with surgeries until he reached his due date.

(My mom and I visiting with Amos at the hospital)

Sarah with Amos (who was born at 3 lbs and 30 weeks)
During those months, I really saw Sarah's strength and her love for Amos. I asked myself a hundred times if I would be able to live through what she lived through, and was never really able to answer myself. Watching her go through the waiting and the pain taught me a lot about service and giving up yourself when you become a parent. God definitely has blessed her through that experience and I think she is especially and amazing mom because of it.

Amos is doing well today at 2 yrs old. We praise God for his health and increasing strength and I praise God for the good example I have in my sister. (this is an old picture)

Number 3: My best friend, Jessica

After the loss of her first pregnancy, Jessica and her husband welcomed their beautiful boy (and Eli's best friend) Ezra just 6 weeks after Eli was born. I admire Jessica because of her thankfulness. Jessica read every book there was on pragnancy. She took such good care of her body and ate really well (and still does). She was always concerned with what was best for her baby. I know that she did all of this because she was so thankful that God had blessed her with another pregnancy. I learned so much from her while I watched her pray for healing as well as another baby in her womb. I know that the pain of her loss has given her such a thankful heart for Ezra. She does not take for granted the gift that was given to her. I am a big complainer, but am praying for change. Jessica has been an amazing example of a thankful and grateful person even in the midst of hardship. Plus, she was just 5 weeks behind me, so it was fun going through pregnancy together. (picture below: I am 8 months pregnant and she is 7)



Now, we are mothers together, sharing stories and encouraging each other via email.
I still cannot believe I am a mother myself. This is the last picture taken of me before Eli was born (I'm guessing I was at 39 or 40 weeks)

Sometimes, I feel like Eli is just another baby that I nanny for...it just seems so unreal that I have a child of my very own! I have had such a fun time loving on Elijah, spending my days (and nights!) with this little guy who is so much like myself and like my husband, but is his own little person.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!!!