Motherhood.

This simple word means so many different things depending on who you ask or even what they are going through at the time. 

It may make you think of your own childhood and how your mother influenced it. Her love, sacrifice, hard work, embrace. 

It may make you this of yourself and your current season of life. 

Messy houses, decade old clothes, crying and tantrums. The things that seem so consuming yet we know deep down are fleeting and will one day be missed. 

For some it's a feeling of loneliness. Being constantly in the sight of people, yet never feeling seen. 

Maybe it's a joyful anticipation. The desire for a small baby to snuggle, to feed, to love. 

Whatever feelings or thoughts it provokes, none are right or wrong-they exist because we exist. Because children exist.

You see at different points in my life this word motherhood has meant many different things. 

Growing up with a single mom I never realized how deeply sacrificial she was until I had children of my own. I didn't realize how she felt about me until I held my first daughter in my arms. I didn't understand how much she loved me until I had a tiny human that consumed all of my heart. I didn't realize how alone she felt until my husband was absent for two years as he fought his way through nursing school. I didn't realize how tired she was until the months of sleepless nights with my second child. And I don't yet know how much it will hurt when my own children grow up and move away. But I can imagine. 

You see, the Bible speaks of Mary and it says, "and she treasured up all these things in her heart." Mary too had a definition of Motherhood. And she knew that though she didn't fully grasp its meaning in its entirety, that there were so many levels that would continue to reveal themselves-and she didn't want to forget. 

When I have the chance to capture a glowing, pregnant mama I see in her the complexity and beauty of Motherhood. She is protecting, nurturing and growing such an important little gift all before she can ever see it. She already demonstrates so many qualities of Motherhood before she ever hears her baby cry or holds it in her arms. 

Though they may not be there, I see the tribe around her, holding up her arms- ready to lift her up and adjust her crown when she simply feels too tired and defeated to do it herself. 

I see strength.

I see radiance.

I see a little girl carrying a doll in her arms, pretending to be its mommy.

I see 

Love.