4 Years Ago Tonight

 Today was Addison's 4th birthday, and as I put her to bed I couldn't help but think about how incredibly blessed I am because of one little girl. For people who don't have children, it is so hard to explain what happens to your life the minute they come into it.

Children teach us how to be selfless, how to love unconditionally, and how to laugh at our mistakes. I honestly hardly remember who I was before she was in my life. I don't remember what I did with my free time or what I was passionate about.

It's interesting that if you asked anyone with children (at least most normal people), what it is that makes them move and work and press on day after day, they would say it's their kids or their family. Our children give us a reason to love more, to do more, and to be more.

I cried tonight when I kissed her good night because I know that so much of who I am is because of her and Luke. They have given me a reason to work, a reason to press on, a reason to never settle, and a reason to work for the life that most people only dream about. And no matter how chaotic a day can become in an instant when a child is involved, as moms, we would never trade it for the world. We look into their eyes and see hope and love and trust and understanding, and even faith, and we can't help but challenge ourselves to be more than we are in their honor.

So tonight, it's all about my baby girl and the woman she has made me; the person I have become for her. She was my reason to try, my reason to figure out who I was and what I was supposed to do. And now there are 2 of them. And I have been challenged by them daily not just as a mom but also as a business woman.  Almost exactly 2 years after Addy's birthday, Luke was born 3 1/2 weeks early. He came into our life and flipped it upside down just like she did when she was born, and we still would not trade a day of it.

So tonight, I challenge you to take a moment and look at your life. Challenge yourself to look back at why you've made the good choices you've made and why you've worked when it was hard, and why you've pressed on when no one else did. At the heart of it all, I bet you'll find your babies. Remember why you are who you are and why you do what you do. You don't have to be a slave to your children, but you should never forget that they have made you who you are.