Anna Liesemeyer on motherhood.

In celebration of mothers all the world over, I've asked Anna Liesemeyer (of IHOD) to share with us what motherhood means to her.  She is a gorgeous gal with impeccable style.  Thanks Anna!
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What motherhood means to me...

When my husband and I drove home from the hospital with our brand new son in tow, so much ran through our minds. For my husband, it meant he would now devote his life to raising this boy as a strong and courageous one, who would respect and serve those around him. He was now a father, who wanted to be the best example for his child. For me, it meant I had a little life dependent on me to eat, sleep, grow, and be healthy. This little life would experience the world through what I would tell him was okay to touch and feel, what was good to eat, and what was fun to play. I had a little soul who would learn virtue and love through our example and guidance. It was something that scared me to death, but equally edified me. I couldn't wait to start living my life with my son.

Now that he is a three year old, and my baby girl is one, my understanding of motherhood is still the same on that first day, except there is an element that my husband and I didn't account for.  Our little ones are experiencing the world and all it holds while holding our hands. I am seeing the world through their eyes, and it is if I have a new pair of rad night vision glasses that allow me to see things in a new light. When my son meets a new person, he is giving them hugs by time we leave. He has so much love and affection for everyone he meets. Whenever I make a mistake, he is fast to reassure me that "it's okay mom! It's okay!" with an enthusiastic nod and smile. The first thing he does when he gets up is run to his little sister and tackle her with love. He asks her in a high pitched tone, "Did you have a good sleep?" So what began as a journey to teach and guide, has now become an ongoing lesson for me. I am learning to love more, love consistently, and love constantly, as he does. 

Motherhood begins as a quest to love and care for your child in the best way you can. What it turns out to be is that in turn, we learn on a new level what happiness means. We laugh and laugh often. We receive many hugs and kisses. And even in the days where there are no "I love you's" or sweet reassurances, I still know that I am living out what I was made for.  Motherhood is a complete gift of self to your children and spouse. Day and night you are making sure everyone is fed, well kept, and happy. You give and sacrifice much so that they can feel loved and secure. What you don't bargain for or cannot fathom is the depth of joy you receive in return. I think its designed that way:) 

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born.  She never existed before.  The woman existed, but the mother, never.  A mother is something absolutely new.” ~Source unknown