my motherhood.

we're coming up on nine months since our little babe came into our family and everyday i'm falling more and more in love. if you ask me how my baby is out of polite conversation, i'll go on and on about her newest achievements, show you pictures and makes you watch video after video, i'm THAT mom, i'm just absolutely crazy about her! i'm experiencing motherhood in a whole new way with audrey, but as much as she solidified my motherhood, i learned everything about being a mommy from raising our henry. it's crazy to think his teeny tiny one-and-a-half year old self, his drooly chin and big blonde curls and infatuation with jumping stole my heart so long ago. that for the last six years i've been his missy. tucking him in, and packing his lunches, and teaching him about God, and kissing his boo-boos, and being zebra, and nurturing him in our home. and i know he won't ever really understand how he transformed my heart, or the impact he's made on who i am, or that being his step-mama is my most greatest privilege. but i know, i will always know, that he is a part of me and i am a part of him and that he will always be my first baby.

we get to play witness to henry and audrey and the bond that they share, and it is hands down beyond our biggest blessing. audrey doesn't light up as bright, smile as big, or laugh as loud, as she does for her big brother. she is his biggest fan. and henry is just thee sweetest big brother, dotting on his sister, always expressing how much he loves her and how she's his "sweet baby girl". he is constantly holding her, carrying her around, teaching her about her toys and doing anything he can think of to get the toothiest grins outta her. he is her protector. their love for each other is as plain as day and as bright as the sun and i'm just beside myself so often with their sweetness.

with two, our home is louder and at times unruly, and always messy. everyday i remind myself to take a break from all my mom chores, to not let "no" be my go-to reaction when the baby is exploring, to not be in constant correction mode with henry. to stop, sit, and play. to kiss, hug, and affirm them often how absolutely wonderful they are. they are my pride and joy. and on the days it seems that nothing is getting done around the house, i'm a-okay with it, because my most important and hardest work can't be measured in to-do list form. i am teaching my tiny people the foundations of love and trust.

i adore motherhood, i adore step-motherhood, i love that no matter how unordinary our family dynamic is, our love is BIGGER. and it's ever growing.

we are so so rich ♥