Motherhood Surprises

"What is the most surprising thing about motherhood?" People have been asking me this question since we came home with Samantha, and my answer has always been the same. "I thought I would get more done around the house." It's true. I thought that since I wasn't working, I would have the laundry caught up, dinner on the table, and the bathroom would be spotless. But I want to hold Samantha, and she wants to be held. So I make no apologies for the clothes sitting on the couch waiting to be folded or the less than clean bathroom. But this isn't really the most surprising thing about motherhood.


The most surprising thing about motherhood has been the intensity of my feelings for my little daughter. I loved Samantha before she was born, and I knew I would love her when I saw her and held her for the first time, but my feelings were so much stronger than I imagined they would be. As I hold her, I often think that there is not a thing in the world I wouldn't be willing to do for her. I want her to feel safe and loved. I want her to know how much we love her. She has brought us more joy than I thought was possible. I can't imagine my life without her. I know that this is how it is supposed to be, and so in the end, my biggest surprise isn't really all that surprising after all.