I recently read an article online downgrading those people who are over achievers as parents or those crazy moms who feel the need to stress themselves out planning the perfect birthday parties and going over the top with EVERY single minor holiday celebration.
I will be honest. I am that mom. I am the mom who stays up late creating lesson plans so my daughter will be the top of her class. I am the mom who has a 7 page outline of my daughter’s birthday party activities. I am the mom who spends hours looking on Pinterest for ideas to celebrate National Ice Cream Day.
But I am also the mom who will never know what it’s like to be pregnant. I am the mom who aches to see my daughter be a big sister. I am the mom who would find joy running around like a crazy woman after a ton of kids.
5 years ago my husband and I started the adoption process for our second child. That’s a long time to be waiting. There are days that I am overwhelmed with emptiness. There are days that I struggle to pray to my Heavenly Father asking him to bless us with another child because it is so painful. I think only those who have experienced infertility can understand the extent and depth of heartache that is associated with this trial.
So do I sit at home and cry my eyes out every day? I easily could! But I have a choice. There are two things I have found to help me through this. First, gratitude. I have been incredibly blessed with the most amazing husband and daughter. My Boo is the PERFECT child for me. She fills my heart with happiness and joy. I will never understand how I got so blessed to have her in my life.  Second, I find a lot of fulfillment in dedicating my every waking moment to being the best mom I can be. So yes- while I happily plan details of every birthday and minor holiday- keep in mind that as a mom of only one child I have limited celebrations. If I don’t take advantage of these special opportunities with my daughter now, I don’t have the option of doing them later with a second or third child.
I know not every Pinterest enthusiast struggles with infertility. But this is my story. I do not apologize for being the holiday zealot.
I guess you could say in a way Pinterest is my therapy. 🙂