Thank You, God, for Mommy

Since I had the girls 14 months ago, my life seems to be all about schedules and routines.  I feel so rushed in this life.  Even though I spent the first five months at home with the girls, I still feel as if I'm chasing time.

One of my favorite routines is story time right before bed.  I work all day so when I get home I have limited quality time to bond with my girls.  But story time is "our" time.  I get to hold them, smell them, talk to them, stare at them.  We don't read the same books every night, but there are a couple regulars we like, and so do they.  As I read to Hailie the other night, the words on the book were jumping out at me and my heart started to get heavy.  I had read this book so many times before, why would this happen to me now?  Below are the words to the book and my thoughts as was reading to my little girl.

"Thank You God, for Mommy" by Amy Parker

Thank You, God, for Mommy.
We're just the perfect pair-
I couldn't find a better Mom
If I searched everywhere!

Oh girls, I do believe we're a perfect pair.  God's sense of humor is the best.  And yes, you could find a better mom.  One who knows what she's doing.  One who knows patience, kindness, and goodness.  One who doesn't lose it at times and say things like, "That's enough!" or "I'm not playing around today.  I'm serious."  Really, who says things like that to their babies?  Your mom does.  So yeah, I think you deserve better than me.  I know you can't fully comprehend this, but I love you more than life itself.

Thank You, God, for Mommy,
Her smile that shines so bright!
Whenever something makes me sad,
She shows me it's all right.

I will always try and show you it's all right.  I will always tell you the truth, even if it hurts a little.   I will always hold you when your sad.  And I will always love you, even when your mad.  Your happiness is so very important to me and your infectious little smiles are what makes me smile.

Thank You, God, for Mommy.
She's oh so patient when
My uh-ohs become big messes;
She helps me try again.

You have had quite a few "uh-ohs" since you started walking but mommy promised to always try and help you and not punish you.  I understand you're curious and anytime there are "uh-ohs" I know they are accidents and can be fixed.  And even if they can't, then oh well.  Nothing is more important in this life than love and lessons.  I don't always feel like I'm patient, especially in the early morning hours when we're all rushing to get out of the door on time.  Mommy is sorry for these moments girls.  If I could be at home with you all the time I would.  So if mommy has a few days where her patience is running thin, I ask that you forgive me and I will try to do better.

Thank You, God, for Mommy.
She cares for big and small.
She doesn't have to say a word-
Her actions say it all.

Mommy hopes that she can instill in you how important it is to care for others.  When someone comes to you in need, you take time out of your busy life to help them.  Whether it be a listening ear or a supportive shoulder, just be there for them.

Thank You, God, for Mommy,
Her gentle, loving touch-
Boo-boo kisses on bandaged knees
Makes it not hurt so much.

Girls, if you're anything like me you're going to get dirty and hurt a lot.  We have fun when we play!!!  But mommy is also very clumsy.  I'm afraid Gracie, you might be just like me.  Every time you bump your little head on the wall, floor or table, I always grab you and try to kill your boo-boo.  You always look at me like I'm crazy and then struggle to get out of my arms.  I promise you though that I will be there to kiss your boo-boo and will continue to be there for you while you heal.

Thank You, God, for Mommy.
She turns frowns upside down
With goofy games, silly faces,
And time to close around.

Of course we're going to clown around.  Don't take life so serious!  I would give anything to never have to see a frown on your angelic faces.  Your mommy is also just plain goofy.  Sometimes I forget I'm an adult.  Do I make you smile?

Thank You, God, for Mommy,
Her arms that hold me near.
When lighting strikes and thunder booms,
She helps to calm my fear.

Oh you have no idea!  Gracie, you have had less than a handful of night terrors, and that possibly was the second most scariest thing I've ever been through.  I did my best to try and calm your fears and it took a while but I was successful.  Of course the very first time it happened, I held you in my arms all night long, so scared something would happen.  Your doctor told me I should have never picked you up.  Yeah right!  I'll never let you go through anything like that alone.  Do you trust me to keep you safe?

Thank You, God, for Mommy,
Her trust and faith in You.
She looks to you for answers, and
She knows you'll see us though.

Mommy has been struggling with this lately.  My faith is constantly being tested.  I don't believe God ever gives us anything bigger than what we can deal with now.  I do believe he tests us to get us through, but I will admit I have failed lately.  In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I have forgotten to pray.  I know I need to get back to praying daily.  God is the only one who knows my heart and he knows that I know what I need to do.  I still look to him for answers and always will.  I can't wait to teach you all about him!

Thank You, God, for Mommy
And lullabies so sweet-
The rhythm of her beating heart
Can sing me right to sleep.


Some of my best memories are of rocking you to sleep while singing "Hush Little Baby".  Or just humming "Rock-a-bye Baby".  Hailie you would never sleep upright on daddy's chest but as soon as your would lay your head down on mommy's chest, you would fall fast asleep.  It was pure bliss for you and me.

Thank You, God, for Mommy.
No matter what I do,
My Mommy always loves me, and...
Mommy, I love you too!

Thank You, God, for Hailie and Gracie!  Thank You, for trusting us!  We know they are true miracles and designed by your hand specifically for us.  I pray that we make you proud and them. 

Hailie & Gracie, mommy loves you as much as a mommy can love!