Mother’s Day 2011: My First

Song Lyric of the Day:

In my daughter’s eyes everyone is equal / Darkness turns to light and the / World is at peace / This miracle God gave to me gives me / Strength when I am weak / I find reason to believe / In my daughter’s eyes

Martina McBride / “In My Daughter’s Eyes“

Today was officially my first Mother’s Day. Last year I was about five months pregnant on Mother’s Day, a day during which Rich treated me to a mom-to-be lunch at Latitude 35. Last year was great, but this year was so much better since, of course, miss Coraline is now with us. Rich let me choose where I wanted to have lunch or brunch, so I chose brunch at The Tomato Head (I love me some Belgian waffles). It was Coraline’s first visit to downtown Knoxville, and oh, how she ate up the sights and sounds in Market Square; she’s an avid people-watcher, just like my Abuela Tulita was.

Coraline and Mommy on Market Square

We ran into some friends, whom Coraline sized up and deemed worthy of smiling for. Once inside the restaurant, Coraline decided she’d rather be held than stuck in her stroller. She’s happiest when she’s a part of the action; I’m surprised she didn’t get whiplash from watching all the people and waitstaff zipping past us. Rich and I took turns holding her while we ate; he and I have, like most parents, gotten quite adept at eating one-handed.

After brunch, we took a nice walk around the square, over to Gay Street and Mast General Store, then back to Rita’s Ice for some dessert, me hobbling the whole way on the pinky toe I’m pretty sure I broke yesterday. Once we got home, it was time for all three of us to take a nap. Coraline resisted as usual, but I’d rather have her sleep through the night than nap if that’s what it boils down to, especially since she sleeps like a champ overnight (10-13 hours).

***

I’m still learning my way as a mom. I like to think I’m doing a pretty good job, learning as I go. I’m incredibly blessed to have a happy, healthy baby girl. I’m also incredibly blessed to have my own amazing mom, who, for as long as I can remember, has shown me what unconditional love is and what it means to always put your children’s best interests ahead of your own. She’s done and sacrificed a lot for me (and my sisters) throughout my life. I look to her to continue showing me my way as I navigate new momhood. And, like Coraline, my love for my mom is more than I can put in words.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, step-moms, aunts, and honorary moms out there. Thanks for all you do.

Coraline and Mommy on our first Mother's Day

Coraline and her Abuela the day before Mother's Day (photo taken by my sis)