Stages in Motherhood.....

Tonight we had out Mother-Daughter Banquet at church. This evening was a special night because Maddelyn and I danced as part of the program. We had a mother/daughter dance which included 4 preschool girls and their mommies. It was done to Plum's "In My Arms" song...tear jerker. The dance was pretty simple since the girls had to be able to follow along. We've only been practicing for a couple of weeks but the kids did wonderful tonight! We had several ladies tell us that there wasn't a dry eye afterwards. I wish I had a video of it to upload for you all but of course I don't. Afterwards we had a special reading where several moms read a small verse just explaining the different stages in motherhood. Well I was the first reader with "2 am feedings." I did fine until it said about how I should be remembering to thank God for all these sleepless nights because some women would do anything to hold a wee one at 2 am. So yes...I started tearing up and had to re-collect myself before I could finish. Well I think I started something because almost every woman who got to read their stage of motherhood was in tears! When I sat down the row behind me (all family) was sniffling and wiping eyes. I said man... it feels like we are at a funeral you guys!

On a lighter note, Emma's newest phrase now is..... my leg/arm/foot/whatever hurts. I then say I'm sorry to hear that. She then replies but it's going to fall off! Oh the drama!

So the little baby bump is becoming more noticeable. It's much easier to see in some outfits than in others. Like tonight's dress...yep, baby bump! It's so funny to think that with Maddelyn I couldn't wait to get into those cute maternity clothes and it seemed to be forever before I was showing. With #4 I am like man....how can I be showing this much already? I mine as well just live in those maternity clothes! It says a lot about your child spacing when all of your "good clothes" are maternity clothes! LOL! I guess I just find the best deals on them! LOL!

So just in case you haven't had your daily tearing up...here are the words to that some by Plum that we danced to. I also included some comments that she had about the song she wrote. They really hit home about what being a mother in today's world is all about....

"A picture of peace to me is not a life without pain, but knowing you will always be held and loved through it. Motherhood has allowed me to better understand God's love for me and, in tum, to be able to love my children in what I believe to be a very similar way. "In My Arms" is about how we live in a fallen world, how life won't always be storybooks and ice cream cones and will involve pain and fear and loss, and innocence will fade away. And for me, as a mother, how it's a hard reality to believe. But no matter what...we are all loved. We are never alone. We are safe...in His arms. And for me, to know my children are loved by a God that great can help make them feel safe in mine." - Plumb

In your Arms by Plumb

Your baby blues

So full of wonder

Your curly cues

Your contagious smile

And as I watch

You start to grow up

All I can do is hold you tight

Knowing...

Clouds will rage up

Storms will race in

But you will be safe

In my arms

Rains will pour down

Waves will crash around

But you will be safe

In my arms

Storybooks

Are full of fairy tales

Of kings and queens

And the bluest skies

My heart is torn

Just in knowing

You'll someday see

The truth from lies

When the...

Castles they might crumble

Dreams may not come true

But you are never all alone

Because I will always

Always love you