Today I went visiting teaching. While I was preparing some bookmarks for the ladies I visit teach, I decided to write a card for my own visiting teacher who will soon be moving away to the East Coast.  She has expressed to me her desires to "get a Master's degree and possibly start a PhD program" before having children. I wanted to share what I wrote her.

Dear, sweet, [Name withheld]*
You have been an incredible visiting teacher and have taught me so much!! Thank you.
There are some things that are easier expressed in writing and before you leave, I want you to have my testimony of motherhood. [Name withheld], there is no greater calling or honor in this world than being a mother to God's precious children. He loves them so very much and wants them to experience this beautiful earth life. Nothing in this world can compare with the joy of having our own sweet families. Children are Life's greatest treasures. There is so much pulling for women's attention in our world today and so many seemingly noble distractions. Remember the Church's counsel not to wait. Waiting only puts off our joy.
I love you and wish you the very best. I hope that soon includes a little you or [hubby] to cuddle to sleep each night. [Heart]

Love always,
Your grateful visit-teachee
Mary Shade

The World is a Stage

I recently read about a fellow alumni, Aurora Dickamore, of Brigham Young University, who just toured Broadway as the lead in My Fair Lady. As acting used to be a favorite pursuit of mine, I have thought a lot about the different paths our lives have taken these past several months...

[Photo Courtesy of BYU Magazine]

She and I graduated the same time April of 2011. I was sick and pregnant (finally!) and in the middle of a move. She was about to get married and embark on the adventure of a lifetime, performing as Eliza Doolittle across America. While I realize what an amazing opportunity this was for her, I can't help but feel humbly grateful for my own very different experiences.

My "Fair Lady"

In the past six months, I delivered a baby...learned to be a mother...witnessed my very own tiny girl's first smile...listened to her first laugh [on Christmas Day]... watched her beam with pride as she first rolled over and steadied her with my own hands as she learned to sit up on her own...fed her every single meal of my own milk and gloried in the praise I received from her pediatrician for her chubby rolls of fat...basked in the applause of her every smile and cried with her in her most tender moments.

That scary but rewarding night in the NICU

My Little Sleeping Angel

Our First Walk Together

I estimate that I have changed over 1,000 diapers by now and I am proud of every single one of them. So many people think that being a mother is monotonous, but I got to thinking, how monotonous is singing "The Rain in Spain" every. day. for. six. months? How about 136 performances of the same lines, same songs, and the same choreography over...and over...and over...I know from experience that there are many thrilling moments being on stage and a fair share of validation and praise. I love theater and film and hope to continue to find ways to stay appropriately involved in the arts throughout my life. There's just nothing more fulfilling and satisfying than creating and raising a little human being. Period. My Little Me does new things nearly every day, she smiles at me and giggles when  I do or say something funny. She snuggles into my neck, sleeps on my chest or naps in my arms. She wraps her chubby fist around my finger and pats my face and mouth when I talk to her. She pumps her little legs and feet when she is excited and squeals with delight when she is happy. I love to see her happy. It fulfills me so deeply. I truly love being a mother and am savoring this gift I have been given. Thank you my little darling for every thing you have taught me these past six wonderful months!!!

1 Hour Old

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

4 Months

5 Months

6 Months

Thank you my little Hannah for making me a wonderfully happy and proud mama!!! I love you sweetheart!!!