Motherhood is finally being done obsessing about yourself…just in time to start obsessing about your kids….every little sniffle, milestone, and decision…like is Fiona not walking yet because I can’t give her as much one-on-one practice?
Motherhood is realizing that your love doesn’t split when you have more kids…it multiplies. My capacity to love has grown by the gallon and sometimes I feel like it is sloshing over the sides of my heart as I clutch Fiona’s little hands and walk her around the living room and kiss the top of Parker’s head. 
Motherhood is the most challenging and rewarding experience that I have faced, and I am so grateful for each amazing moment…even those moments where I want to hide from the chaos…It’s a start…and I’m learning more every day…
— Rachel
beautiful
Happy birthday, Fiona!
And Madi IS absolutely beautiful – all your kids are. Isn’t it crazy how some things in life can be hard, rewarding, tear-jerking, gut-busting, exhausting, invigorating…all at once?
Happy Birthday to Fiona! What a sweetie heart. And hey, about the walking…isn’t easier when they can’t? 😛
Wonder who put the idea into Madi’s head that she isn’t beautiful? That’s just ludicrous. How on earth could she be Rachel Cherne’s daughter and not be?
I’ve been thinking about lately as we make decisions about Grace and school. We spend the first 4-5 years of our daughter’s lives telling them that they are the most beautiful thing in the world (and they are!) and then they grow older and society’s impossible standards tell them differently and tear down those first 5 years within seconds. So sad. My heart would/will crumble too and I know my time of daughter’s self-esteem issues are coming faster than I would like to think.
As for Parker, well – what a charmer! 🙂
My first thought when I read your post was “Motherhood is…” NEVER DULL. And you are an amazing momma, my friend!
She is a year old already??!!!
Wow!!! I think she looks so much like Parker! Caleb didn’t walk until 17 1/2 months..I don’t know if that’s encouraging or discouraging! No worries…they walk when they are ready! Enjoy her birthday!
I think the other awesome part about motherhood is connecting with other moms that understand what you are going through…because yes, it is hard, and yes, it is heartbreaking when your kids feel hurt or sad, and yes, it’s a little scary to send them out into the world, and it is so comforting to know that you are not alone! Thanks for your thoughts and encouragment, girls!!