New Joy's of Parenting

I remember the day Joshua was born like it was just yesterday. The feeling of overwhelming joy, love, and gratitude that washed over me as I held him in my arms was indescribable. I was a new wife at just 21 years old and a first-time mother to the most beautiful baby boy I had ever seen. Everything felt so perfect, so right, and so full of promise.

As I navigated the ups and downs of motherhood, learning to breastfeed, waking up in the middle of the night to comfort my little one, and embracing all the new changes that came with being a new mom, I felt like I was on top of the world. Nothing could bring me down, and the joy that I felt just got stronger as the days passed.

But then, when Joshua was just three months old, my world came crashing down. Joshua passed away, and my heart was shattered into a million pieces. The pain of losing him was unbearable, and it felt like nothing would ever be right again.

Looking back, even though my time with Joshua was short, I am grateful for every moment we shared together. Through him, I experienced a love that was deeper than anything I ever knew existed, a joy that was more profound than any other I had ever experienced, and a sense of purpose that I had never felt before.

Although I still miss him every day, I carry his memory with me as a testament to the joy and beauty that he brought into my life. Even in his brief time here, he made a tremendous impact and taught me so much about love, life, and what really matters in this world.

Being a new wife and first-time mom to Joshua was a truly special and beautiful experience. Although it ended too soon, the joy that we shared together will always hold a special place in my heart and laid the footsteps for the rest of my journey into adulthood. 

I have since become a mother to two more beautiful children, and while the pain of losing Joshua will never fully go away, it has taught me to cherish every moment with my family. I am grateful for the lessons that Joshua taught me about love and life, and I know that he continues to watch over us from above. Being a mom is not always easy, but the joy and love that come with it make every sacrifice worth it. I am proud to be a mother and grateful for all of the joys that come with it.

This was the first time my (now ex) husband and I
took Natilee to Joshua's grave.
I was pregnant with Kaylee at the time, due 
to deliver any day.