I have a confession: on my first Mother’s Day (last year) I was not very kind to my sweet husband.
Looking back on that day, we had a great day celebrating with both of our moms, but I can still remember the way we ended the day on my own bitterness with unmet and very unrealistic expectations.
Like a lot of new moms celebrating their first Mother’s Day, I had expectations in my head about what the day would look like. While there is nothing wrong with hoping for a special day, here was the problem: I did not share a single one of those expectations with Lance. Needless to say, I ended feeling not fully satisfied not because I don’t have the most loving and thoughtful husband, but because outwardly I made Mother’s Day seem like not a big deal, when in my own little head it was a very, very big deal.
Lesson learned. This Mother’s Day was different. And it was a new favorite day.
Want to know what changed? I was honest. Before falling asleep the night before, I told him very directly: I would love breakfast in bed. His response: sure, what sounds good?
Well, that was simple. And guess what happened. I slowly woke up Sunday morning to the literal sizzling of bacon and the lovely smell of pepper and melted cheese. And mama was happy.
It wasn’t really ever about the food. Simply put, I would be happy with just a cup of coffee, it was more about the act of service. I felt so loved not because of the amazing bacon omelette, I felt loved because Lance got up early and came walking in smiling with breakfast and I could see the effort, the love, and the care. And from that moment on, the day was perfect.
It all started with me quickly mentioning before falling asleep the expectation I had in my head. Because as loving and thoughtful as Lance is, he simply cannot read my mind!
Once silly Mother’s Day expectations were met, I was able to fully see with clear eyes the amount of love that daily surrounds me.
It was a sweet day spent with both of our moms.
Bellinis were sipped. Lots of yummy Mediterranean food was consumed. Chocolate cake and key lime pie were devoured. Sweet cards and beautiful flowers and gifts were exchanged. And Hudson picked purple flowers for me and said “mommy” extra sweetly.
Once our moms and families left, we rested and then went back out to the pool and splashed around for a bit. I created a spa set up and Lance even attempted to paint my nails. It was the sweetest thing, but let’s just say I had to take over after the first nail. His willingness to try will always be remembered!
All that to say, it was a good day.
My heart felt full + thankful.
I am thankful to be surrounded by so many amazing women that set such a beautiful example of what it looks like to mother well.
Happy Mother’s Day!
This Mama Needs Grace 