Becoming a mom has made my life new.

In the earliest weeks, the newness was simple. It was caring for babies, it was time away from work, it was a changed body.

In the following months, the newness became profound.

I started to see my childhood in a new light. I finally understood just how special my own mom was. As one of six children, I had no way of grasping what my mom did for us until I had kids myself. And now, only a few months into my own motherhood journey, I can suddenly see all her years of self-sacrifice, love, heartache, and joy with greater clarity. She was a patient nurturer, who put us before herself day after day – and her unwavering commitment to making us the best people we can be was and is astounding. I’ve never been prouder to be my mother’s daughter – and I will undoubtedly be a better mom because of her. If my family grows to be half as wonderful as the family she gave us, I will consider myself lucky.  

I also look at other mothers with new eyes. It feels so powerful to share this special kinship with other women. I now understand the role of mothering on a personal level – how hard, sad, frustrating, exhilarating, special, and happy it can be. But above all, how impossible it would be to do it alone. As a mother, I cherish empathy and friendship more than I ever have. Being able to relate to women in the same shoes is such a gift, and I’m so grateful to walk this path with all the fellow mamas in my life.

Most of all, I love my life and my children with a new heart. With their very first breaths, my son and my daughter breathed new meaning into my life. Before, my existence was very me-centered – and today, it is very us-centered. I get to share my life with the two tiny people that are half of me and half of my best friend. I get to live with new intention each and every day, striving to create safety, health, and happiness for something that is more important than me – that is, them. Their futures. All the ways they will make our world and the big world outside of ours a better place.

Celebrating Mother’s Day, as a new mom, truly felt like a celebration of all the new and wonderful ways motherhood has changed me for the better. I am so blessed to be a mom, and I hope the novelty of this new world never wears off. Indeed, it was the happiest Mother’s Day yet – it was a New Mother’s Day.