How are you doing?

It seems to be the polite thing to ask someone after they've had a baby.  I try to respond in a realistic, yet optimistic way because I'm not sure I want to get into all the details on how I'm truly feeling (e.g. "I'm tired, but good!").  In fact, I often divert to the girls because talking about how awesome they are comes way more easily than talking about how much of an emotional wreck I  (often!) am these days.  "Jet is so snuggly!" or "Nory is a great big sister!" are some of my go-to responses. 

But if I were to be 100% honest with people, I'd be given the sorry-I-asked face in about point two seconds.  I'm a hot mess, you guys!  There's a billion emotions that go through my body each and every day and it seems to me like every single one of them is dependent on how good of a mom I feel in that very moment.  Happy?  I just rocked that burp session!  Anxious?  What if I don't swaddle her tight enough and the blanket goes over her face?  Overwhelmed?  Am I giving both of my girls the attention they need and deserve? 

This is why it meant so much to me - SO, SO MUCH TO ME - when I was NOT asked how I was doing the other day.  Instead, I was TOLD how I was doing:

You're doing a great job, Linds!

I'm going to hold onto this one little sentence forever.  It was everything I needed in that moment.  And in this one too.

Thank you to that special person who didn't ask, but told.  You're the best! XOXO