We had some amazing entries in our “I’m Glad You Were Born” contest. There we so many inspirational, moving and loving stories share with us, we hope you had time to read a few and be inspired about the blessings that children bring into our lives and our world.

Chris said…
I’m so glad you were born because the world needs more women like you. You’re a fearless leader. You forgive quickly. You are not afraid of heights, bees, or snakes. Where there is music, you will dance and sing. Wearing your bathing suit is cause for celebration. You understand that a loved one’s kiss can heal wounds. You’re not afraid to be the loudest one at the party. You hug your friends when they cry, and join them when they laugh. You can, and often do, laugh at yourself. You think broad daylight and nudity mix well. You get up quickly after falling. You are not afraid to try again if you fail the first time. Your deep belly laugh makes a smile appear on the grumpiest of faces. You like broccoli. You eradicated all fears I had about what kind of mom I would be.
In the 19 months your soft, round, warm little body has graced my world, you’ve allowed me to be the woman I had spent 32 years trying to become. That such a petite little girl can so fundamentally change my worldview leaves me with no doubts that your mark on this world will extend beyond me and your dad and the dog and cat you love to chase. I’ll always be proud to be your mommy, pumpkin. Now go get ‘em, girl.

“When did you become so patient?” my step-mom said to me just the other day. I was dealing with a very stubborn two-year old while attempting to negotiate with my four year old and soothe my 7 week old. When did I become so patient? Had you asked me four plus years ago what my good qualities were, patience would not have been on the list. In fact, I was known for saying “Patience is not my forte.”

There are many reasons I’m glad that my three kids were born, but one of the big ones is all the things THEY have taught ME! Sure, I’ve taught them many things, but they teach me more every day.

*They teach me patience when they act up; I have learned to stay calm through it all.
*They teach me forgiveness when they hug me and tell me they love me five minutes later.
*They teach me to be humble when they tell me I’m the most beautiful mommy.
*They teach me humility when they share their bodily fluids with me (haha!!).
*They teach me selflessness when I help them with what they need first when what I really need to do is run to the bathroom!

And most importantly, they have taught me that love knows no bounds, that it can grow infinitely. I never thought I could love my husband more, but seeing him as a daddy has increased that love. I never thought I could love another child as much as I love my first, but my love has grown three times. And for this, I’m so glad all of you were born – Taryn, Alaina & Elizabeth.

Darling Penelope,

When I try to recall life before you entered my world, the details are fuzzy. I feel as though everything leading up to your birth was meant to prepare me for the miracle that awaited me, and even though you’ve only been here for a few short months, you’ve already taught me more than I have learned in all my previous years. You’ve taught me more than patience, selflessness and gentleness… you’ve taught me to live life in the moment. Phone calls, dishes and laundry will wait very patiently, and, desperate as I am for a shower, the most important thing I can do right now is watch your chest softly rise and fall as you drift off to sleep. That’s why my first Mother’s Day as a mom brings me to this realization: Mother’s Day isn’t so much about celebrating mothers as it is about celebrating the children that make us mothers; each one unique, each one a precious gift. I am so thankful for this moment—this brief pause—that I can spend in quiet wonder, thanking God for you.

You frustrate me. You make me feel inadequate, confused and lonely. You demand much and give so little. Because of you, I will never have another moment where I am not thinking about someone other than myself. And that, my dear girl, is why I am so glad you were born. You prevent my selfishness and demand my best. You do not give in wealth or fame, but what you do give is fundamental and refreshing. For the hours of incessant cries comes a burst of delightful giggles. You give in affection, satisfaction and allegiance. Each inch you grow and skill you master bear out the fact that the privilege of guiding you through life is mine. You remind me that my inadequacies are conquerable and my loneliness is unnecessary. You are the jewel of my crown, my joy, the answer to my question. I am a mother, and you are my child forever. And that, my angel, is why I am so glad you were born.