You always hear that the most rewarding job is being a mom. It's true! A child is a reflection of how well you do that job. Having a happy, healthy baby, like Sweet Baby Olivia, is just a simple reminder, to me, that I'm doing something right. It's a reward I cherish every single day. Every time she laughs it brings a tear to my eye because I know I'm meeting all of her emotional needs. Every ounce she gains, and inch she grows, is a testament to my ability to nourish her properly. Knowing that she flourishes because of me is the most amazing feeling in the world.

After celebrating my first Mother's Day, I now realize how great the day is. I realize how important my own mother is, as well as her mother, and all of the other mothers out there. I thought about how great they were at providing a positive role model for me, and I can only hope to be as great as them.

For my first every Mother's Day gift, Carl gave me a gift certificate for a half day of pampering at a spa that I cannot wait to use!! He also did all the chores that I normally do during the day. Then Sweet Baby Olivia and I went to mass. After all, being a good mom starts with leading by example, and what better time than Mother's Day to introduce her to church. She did wonderfully, by the way! Soon she'll be getting baptized as well. Then we came home and took naps!! I spent the rest of the day doing nothing, really. I enjoyed it too.

At the end of the day, I was thinking about how great it has been being a mom. I thought about all great examples in my life. I came to the conclusion that I am rewarded every day, but it is nice to have a day dedicated for myself, and all of the other mothers out there. It almost makes me wonder if I should give gifts to Carl and Olivia each year on Mother's Day. After all, I wouldn't have this day if it wasn't for them!!