It's crazy to think that a year ago we were announcing that we were expecting a baby. It was such a magnificent day. I am so grateful for this little girl who has made me a mother. It has been the most fulfilling thing I have ever done. I've probably said that before, and I will probably say it again. Motherhood has been the most amazing gift, privilege, and calling. I love it. I'm grateful for my own Mother, Grandmother, and Mother in Law who have all demonstrated different positive traits of motherhood. I've decided to share some of my favorite teachings each of these women have taught either in lesson or by example.
I was six months pregnant in the above photo, Ely is six months old in the bottom photo!
My Mother
This is one of my favorite photos of myself and my mother from my infancy. My own Mother grew up without one. Her Mother died when she was nine and her Grandmother died when she was twelve. I cherish photos because my Mom cherished photographs. She only has 1 photograph of her Mother, and I have ever only seen one photograph of her Grandmother. She showed me how precious photos are and the individuals we come in contact with in those photos. I remember her working hard when I was young to support our family. I am grateful for this and for that example. She moved to the USA from Chile and did not know English, yet she still worked and eventually went to college while supporting a family and became a nurse. She always taught and continues to teach me to expect the best for myself, and not to let anyone take advantage of me. I accredit this teaching as to why I have an incredible husband, because I wouldn't accept anything less than the best in a spouse.
My Mother In Law
Another woman whom I accrediting my amazing spouse to. I am grateful for her and that she raised her son right. She cherishes family and motherhood. I see the way she approaches each one of her children's specific needs and admire that. She sees her children for what they can be yet acknowledges who they currently are and supports the progress they are making in their life. I have always felt loved and supported by her even before we were married. Before I was married or even had prospects for marriage, I always feared not getting along with my future Mother in Law. I not only get along with her, and feel loved by her, but I feel incredibly comfortable with her. In a way I have forgotten about the separation between my family and Sean's family, it's just family. I think she has been influential in breaking those barriers. She came to stay with us 2 weeks after Ely was born and it was so comforting. I'm grateful we have her, I'm grateful my daughter has her for a grandma.
My Grandma
Ely finally got to meet my Grandmother this week. I remember my Grandma saying that she was grateful that my Grandpa was able to support her so she could stay home to raise her children. I loved that she shared that with me. I have a hard time not working, and with our current move I'm sure it will take me a while to find a job. Instead of being frustrated with the job search, I am going to cherish the days I have with my little girl. My Grandma is one of the most amazing people that I know, for her to set that example to me is a comfort and will help me see how privileged I will be during the instances in my life when Sean will be supporting me and I can stay home with Ely. When we visited this week, she watched Ely so Sean and I could go to the temple. I was so excited to leave my daughter with her, because my Grandma was the best babysitter when I was little. If it wasn't for my Grandma, I probably wouldn't have the testimony I have of my faith in the LDS church. She took me with her to church every Sunday and helped me to develop a testimony. I am forever grateful for that.
