This is What Motherhood Looks Like

​Golden curls at the nape of your neck.
Eyelashes forming a gentle swoop.
A profile that’s all cheeks and nose.
A proud round belly not afraid of tickles.
Sunlight catching the strands around your eyes.
Tiny first steps in the crunch of grass.
Arms raised in abandon from the blue swing seat.

​Wide open grins unashamed of the gap.
Maybe it’ll close when the other teeth come in, but I hope it doesn’t.
Watercolors on your cheek from today’s masterpiece. You smile proudly holding it high,
But I see the real masterpiece speaks.

​Dainty pink shoes pointed in not-so-perfect position one.
Coiled bun bouncing at another try.
Stifled giggles when you finally get it right.

Pink jacket hung by the door and shoes scattered aimlessly.
A hunt on hands and knees for that one most precious item, lost again.
That hand on your hip because you want to look like mommy.
The way you cover your mouth with one hand after you make a joke.
Song sung bravely even when you don’t know the words.
The sound of laughter when it’s daddy’s turn to play.

Little family around little table looking face to face, passing bread.
Daddy prays.
Dog waits for her crumbs to fall, always from the smallest member.
 
Pink and blue toothbrushes, yellow cloths, one last kiss.
Arms draped on my neck that can’t quite reach. A head that can’t help but meet shoulder. The weight is the greatest burden.
A tickle on the back that makes you squirm and a silly game of peekaboo before night.
The tickle of eyelashes to cheek and the plea for “just a few more.”
The sound of sweet lullabies and whispered “talks.”
A childish prayer giving thanks - Humbling to the hearer and a delight to the Savior.
Tears of inexpiable joy when words delight “thank you for mommy.”

One last peek before closing my eyes. Checking for breath and sound rest.
Knowing I will never stop opening doors and looking in, listening, looking for you.

Knowing this... I am Mom. I became and, now, will never stop being.

So this is what motherhood looks like….

What does it look like to you? What are some of your favorite "visuals" of motherhood or fatherhood? I can't wait to see!