Brent, Suzanne, Brody, Ryker & Jayla: Mom's Day 2013

3 years ago, I was able to experience Mother's Day in a new light, with a new perspective-- as a mother. What? Me? Finally, a mother?! Motherhood has been the biggest blessing in my life. I am so grateful every single day for the opportunity and blessing to be a mom.

I am sooo grateful for my mother, and my husband's mothers and have always loved to celebrate them (along with all of the other countless examples of motherhood in my life).

Thank you, for all you do and have taught me. We love you each dearly.

For the past 3 years, Mother's Day has carried another sacred meaning. It has also been a day to reflect and be grateful for all of the birth-moms (particularly our son's birth- mom) who have made this self-less sacrifice and have given mothers like me this blessing.

Birth-mothers are also mothers, who deserve to be celebrated on this wonderful day.

The sacrifice a birth-mom makes for her child is one of the most humbling, loving sacrifices I have witnessed. A birth mother who is willing to break her own heart for the sake of her child. . . that is pure, raw love.

That is motherhood.

“Adoption is not a breaking of trust but a keeping of faith… not the abandonment of a baby but an abandonment of self for a baby’s sake.” – Curtis Young (2001)

This Mother's Day we went to my parents' house and celebrated the weekend with my family. I can't think of any place greater to be than home, with our family.

My sister and her family also joined us. My brother, Steve, was out of state working and we missed him this year.

Here are a few pictures from our weekend:

We were also able to spend a day with Kourtney, Brody's birth-mom. That was the day we discovered Brody had strep-throat, so we spent several hours waiting at the walk-in clinic, but we had a great time together regardless.

We love our Kourtney.

Yes, those are deer. They were in my parents' yard and frequently hang out here.

We went to the park one afternoon.

Brody has a thing with his tongue.

At the park, there was a really long bridge over the river and Grandma and Grandpa helped Brody gather sticks to throw in the river.

Happy Mother's Day, MOM, and thank you for being the best mom in the whole world.

We love you.

My parents with our little family. As you can see, Brody wasn't in the mood for picture taking. Silly boy.

My sister and her family.

Here are a few more shots of our handsome little guy.

I made this bow-tie for him out of one of my dad's old ties.

Being a mom to a little boy. . .

I included this picture so you can see what I commonly find in Brody's pockets when I clean them out. On this day, it was a collection of rocks, sticks, and dandelions.

I sure love this little tiger of mine who made me a mother.

I also love all of you mothers in my life.

I want to leave you with a few thoughts on motherhood and birth-motherhood:

**Take a few moments to watch this video and listen to a young woman's gratitude to her birth-mom.**

**Listen to this story about why a birth-mother chose adoption for her daughter. This is an amazing, awesome, heartwarming story (keep watching 'til the end). This video was published in honor of National Birth Mother's Day.**

Another wonderful birth-mom's story. . .