As I sit here in my kitchen on Valentine's Day, stealing a quiet moment with my second cup of coffee while my three little ones are miraculously napping at the same time, I can't help but reflect on the different kinds of love in my life. Yes, there's the romantic love we celebrate today, but there's another kind that's equally powerful – the love between a mother and her children.
Just yesterday, my 5-year-old Emma presented me with a Valentine's card that looked more like a Jackson Pollock painting, complete with enough glitter to cover our floors for the next decade. "Mommy, you're the best because you make the best sandwiches and give the best hugs," she declared proudly. Little did she know that those words would bring tears to my eyes, especially considering my journey with motherhood hasn't always been picture-perfect.
When my first child was born, I had this idealized vision of motherhood. You know the one – where you're effortlessly breastfeeding while looking like you've just stepped out of a parenting magazine. Reality, however, had other plans. Despite my best efforts, I struggled with milk production, and the guilt was overwhelming. I felt like I was failing at the most basic level of motherhood.
But here's what I wish someone had told me then: feeding your baby is just one way to show love, and there isn't just one right way to do it. Whether it's breast milk or baby formula, what matters most is that your baby is fed, healthy, and loved. Finding the right formula for my baby was like discovering a secret superpower – suddenly, I could ensure my baby was well-nourished AND get some much-needed sleep. And let me tell you, a well-rested mom is a better mom!
Speaking of sleep, can we talk about those precious moments of solitude? This Valentine's Day, my husband took all three kids to the park, giving me an hour of blissful alone time. I made myself a fancy coffee (you know, the kind that doesn't need to be microwaved five times), grabbed my favorite book, and locked myself in the kitchen. Was it romantic in the traditional sense? Maybe not. But self-love is just as important as any other kind of love.
The funny thing about motherhood is how it changes your perspective on everything – even Valentine's Day. This morning, I found my toddler had "decorated" the bathroom with heart-shaped stickers, including one right on the toilet seat. Instead of getting frustrated, I laughed. These are the moments that make motherhood beautiful – messy, chaotic, but beautiful nonetheless.
To all the mothers out there: Remember that you're doing an amazing job, even when it doesn't feel like it. Your love for your children isn't measured by whether you breastfeed or formula feed, whether you work or stay at home, or whether you sometimes need to lock yourself in the kitchen for a moment of peace (we've all been there!).
This Valentine's Day, let's celebrate all forms of love – including the love we need to show ourselves. Because as I've learned through raising three wonderful, chaotic, beautiful children, you can only pour from a cup that isn't empty.
Happy Valentine's Day to all the amazing moms out there! Remember, you are exactly the mother your children need, and that makes you perfect in their eyes.
P.S. And yes, treat yourself today! Whether it's that fancy coffee, a good book, or taking advantage of some shopping deals (like getting $14 off orders over $150 with code LOVE14), you deserve it!
© Sarah Matthews
Mother of Three, Coffee Enthusiast, and Professional Kitchen Hide-and-Seeker