We see the scale increase as a baby grows inside of us. Every ultrasound makes our heart soar.

Morning sickness. Afternoon sickness. Night sickness. Doctor appointments. Another trip to the bathroom. Another craving.

The anticipation builds as we prepare for their arrival. All we can think about is a healthy, safe delivery for mom and babe.

For such a time as this.

It’s around-the-clock feeds. Milk-stained shirts. Diaper blowouts. A thousand loads of laundry. Increments of 45 minutes of sleep. Holding that precious new life on your chest, soaking it all in. It’s utter dependence on Jesus and coffee for strength.

For such a time as this.

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It’s the first words. First steps. It’s being excited they are growing and moving up a size in clothing while simultaneously grieving because they aren’t tiny babies anymore.

For such a time as this.

It’s first soccer games. Middle-of-the-night snuggles. Big boy or big girl beds.

It’s seeing that baby who never left your side trying to find their independence, “I can do it all by myself.”

It’s sword fights and dress-up and excelling at using their imagination.

For such a time as this.

It’s first crushes. First sleepovers. Big dreams. First cars. First dates. First jobs.

For such a time as this.

Motherhood is a journey of celebrating and grieving at the same time.

It’s cheering your babies on through every milestone while grieving just how fast it goes.

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Motherhood is an epic adventure of anticipation and living in the moment.

Sometimes you are a bear crawling through the trenches and sometimes you are dancing and jumping as you embrace a new chapter.

Live it. Love it. Embrace it.

Originally published on the author’s blog