Eight years ago, my journey into motherhood took an unexpected turn when my firstborn, Everett, arrived two months early. What had been a healthy pregnancy unraveled in the early hours of December 13, 2015, leading to an emergency c-section and a whirlwind of emotions as my tiny son was rushed to the NICU, three hours away. In the midst of fear, separation, and uncertainty, God’s presence was undeniable—through the unexpected ways He provided, the people He placed in our path, and the strength He gave us to endure. Looking back, I see how He worked miracles in every moment, redeeming what was lost and making all things new.

The light softly dimples the wall as I sit and rock you in my arms. It is quiet—so rare these days. Your soft blonde curls brush against your ear, your chubby fingers rest against my shirt, and I breathe in this fleeting moment, knowing how quickly it will pass. Soon, the front door will burst open, and this quiet will be replaced by the joyful chaos of siblings returning home. But for now, I hold you, memorizing every detail, tucking this moment deep into my heart—one to cherish when my arms are no longer needed for holding little ones.

The mom I was felt softer, more patient, certain she had mastered the art of motherhood. But then came exhaustion, colic, an unexpected diagnosis—and the softness faded. In its place, brokenness. But through time, grace, and love, something new emerged: the mom I am. Stronger, wiser, more faithful. Hard days are not the end of the story; they are a season. And just like the storms of motherhood, they, too, will pass—revealing a new beginning, filled with hope.

“What if it’s always hard?” That question looms in my mind as I navigate the complexities of raising a child with a disability. The guilt, the isolation, the uncertainty—it all piles up. But through it, I've learned that community, therapy, and self-care are essential in helping us thrive. Parenting a special needs child is hard, but it's also worth it. Here's how we can embrace the challenges while finding hope and strength for the long road ahead.

As the day starts with the early alarm and a rush to wake up, there’s a quiet beauty in the chaos of motherhood. From feeding Claire in the early morning hours to dealing with the ever-growing list of tasks, the day feels like an endless cycle. Yet, amid the noise, there’s joy in the small moments—holding my children close, cooking dinner with my husband, and cherishing these fleeting days of motherhood. As I look ahead to new chapters, I stop to savor today, knowing that these days, though exhausting, are precious and will leave an imprint on my heart forever.

I’m nursing my three-month-old daughter, Claire, and as she looks up at me with a big smile, I’m filled with joy. She’s healthy, happy, and a true delight. But as I share these moments on social media, I can’t help but think of the mothers who may not be experiencing the same joy. I think of the moms who are struggling with fussy babies, sleepless nights, or feelings of guilt. I was once that mom, and I remember how hard those seasons were. This post is for all the moms who feel like they’re in the trenches—know that you’re not alone, and you’ve got this.