Things I Like about Being a Mother

"While consoling his little brother over a ripped batman costume, I overheard my son say, 'Don't worry, just take it to mom, she can fix anything.' That reminded me of my own childhood—I also believed that my dad 'could fix anything' (admittedly, I still do). Parenthood is the single most important role any human will ever play in the life of another. There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing that by simply living lives that are intentional and authentic, my husband and I are, in many ways, teaching our children valuable lessons in love, empowerment, compassion, and humanity." Glossary: Consoling: serving to comfort someone at a time of grief or disappointment.

"It's easy to think of diaper changing as a chore, but I like to give it a positive spin and think of it as a chance to bond with your little one. I love singing silly songs and tickling my daughter's tummy when I'm changing her diaper. You don't get too many opportunities to share eye contact and get in close during the day, especially with a whirling toddler, so if you can distract them, and make it a happy time, then diaper changing is your chance. Add to that a trusted brand like Huggies—I like their Little Movers Diapers—and you can be sure your little one is comfortable, supported, and dry, and you both will be much happier for it."

"Nothing else can produce the joy or broken heart that motherhood allows. I couldn't imagine going through life without feeling that spectrum of emotion. There are wonderful days when I feel my cup runneth over. There are days that I want to run away and question every decision I have ever made. Feeling it all, good or bad, gives my life purpose. Motherhood is walking around with all of your nerve endings raw and exposed. It is the most extreme measure of being alive."

"I love being a mom, even with all of its trials and lessons. The ability to help shape a young mind and allow her to blossom as she is ready is miraculous. As an African-American mom, I also have the privilege of teaching my daughter self-love and self-respect at an early age. Giuliana will know from birth how valued she is in our home and that she has a valid place in this world. Literally every choice I make—from the historical museums we visit, like the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture, to the nutritious foods I give her and the organic skin care I put on her body—are to give her a great start in life. It's a beautiful thing."

"I was 33 when I had my first child, so I know I had a life before children. But, I can't remember what it was like! Having my children was such a life-altering experience. I always was looking for the purpose in my life and when I had my children I found it. I love being a mother. I know I am good at it. That doesn't mean I don't make my share of mistakes. Every day I add money to one of my three children's 'money for therapy for all the things I did to screw you up' account. But I am a better person for knowing my children and I am very honored to be their mother. And I wouldn't trade my best day before kids for my worst day with kids!"

"When I wanted to give up because I was a single parent, they pushed me to move ahead. Just waking up and seeing their smiling faces made me want to go another day. Today my children are grown—they are kind, giving, dependable people. And they all love the Lord as I taught them to love and depend on Him."

"For me, the joys of parenthood include: Constantly being humbled—there's nothing like the antics of kids to get you grounded again. After a day of feeling like you aced things at work, your kids remind you that you are just another person they can ask to wipe their butt. Then there's when my kids actually eat and want more of the food I made! (And it's actually healthy and not just chicken nuggets! #momwin). And finally, seeing the individual personalities of each kid shine through. What a gift it is to be able to see them grow."

"I love that at the age of 33 I can fly a kite, blow raspberries, act like Scooby Doo, look forward with childish excitement to the Smurf's comeback, cut in front of lines with a crying baby, sing-along with Elmo while stopped at traffic lights (with the windows down!), go sled riding at the park, decorate sidewalks with chalk, use both men's and women's restrooms, run through public sprinkler systems, eat cake at children's birthday parties, observe ants, play tag, build cities in the sandbox, order a Happy Meal (for myself), and laugh hysterically at Sponge Bob without looking stupid. All of this and so much more because of the two free-spirited, miniature men in my life."