Day 21: Margaret Gianna

You all know her more commonly as Maggie.

New Year’s Eve, 2010. 3 days old and already a Notre Dame fan.

Michael John, out little lost baby, he made me a mother, biologically speaking. But Maggie, Maggie has made me a mother in every sense of the word.

Nearly 2 years ago, she came crying into the world. The most beautiful sound we’d ever heard.

Mama and Maggie 12/28/2010

Being Maggie’s mother, in addition to being Atticus’ wife, is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. It’s also the most challenging. I wrote about my struggles with being a new mom here. I truly believe that parenthood is a joyful cross, and that has certainly been borne out in my life.

I can say with complete certainty that I am a better person today beacuse she exists, and because I am her mother. As much as I have helped her grow and change, she has helped me too.

From this helpless infant to a little girl who laughs and runs and asks to kiss “Jesus’ boo-boos”. She has changed so much in the last (almost) 2 years, and I can hardly believe that I have been blessed with this beautiful person to know, love, and serve.

Mama loves you Maggie! I am so grateful for the gift of being your mommy.

What are you grateful for?