Faith & FamilyMAMA Bear March 22, 2016 Y’all know I dreamed of being a mama long before Miss Rosie came. I’ve wanted kids for as long as I can remember, but after getting married and thinking about starting a family, I really started to see it as my main calling. I dreamed of cuddling babies late into the night, wiping away sad tears, having tickle fights, and just being MAMA. Now that I’m a little over one year in, I’ve got to say that being mama to this baby girl is more than I could’ve ever imagined. Everyone always tells you there’s no love like that of a mama and I believed that, but now I feel that with every ounce of my being. I never knew I could feel the way I do about this little babe. I get way more excited now about designing a room for her than one for myself. I find myself heading straight towards the kids’ clothes section in a store and mama will just look for herself next time. And most every thought is filled with what baby girl needs, how to keep her safe, and how to grow and develop her heart in the way God intended. Now, I fully understand the mama bear phenomenon. We went camping a lot growing up to this one special place in Tennessee. They had this 11-mile loop there where we would ride through beautiful countryside and see all kinds of animals. We saw lots of deer, turkeys, and horses, but we were always on the hunt for that elusive bear. It was rare to see one, but I can remember seeing a few in all the years we visited there. The best were when we saw the baby bears. They were so cute, cuddly, and small – a real-life teddy bear! I remember crowds of people going toward them, trying to see it better, and my daddy always said the same thing, “You don’t mess with a baby bear. Where there’s a baby, the mama’s not far behind.” Amen, to that, y’all. Where my baby bear is, this mama is not far behind and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m so excited about my new MAMA Bear necklace from Rebekah Gough Jewelry. I’ve been in love with this necklace and the meaning behind it since I first saw it a few months ago. I loved reading Rebekah’s story for how she developed the idea for this necklace. And now, I have it to wear each day as a sweet little reminder that I am mama bear and it’s the best job in the world. I’m so excited to be teaming up with Rebekah Gough Jewelry to give away one of these lovely necklaces to a fierce MAMA Bear out there! We’re running the giveaway this week on Instagram – you can see it and enter here. Share it with your favorite mama bears out there!
Shannon says March 23, 2016 at 12:59 pm I bet you’re talking about Cades Cove!! My dad’s side of the family has a cabin in the mountains in Townsend and I grew up going to Cades Cove every time we’d visit. We’d count the number of deer and always kept a look out for bear! Love this necklace! Also, the way you talk about being a mama, and how that is your true calling… my heart feels the same way. Reply
Michele says March 23, 2016 at 11:43 pm Yep–Cade’s Cove! We live 30 min. from there in the foothills of the Smokies— or as they say in East Tennessee–the peaceful side of the Smokies. Reply
Lindsay says March 30, 2016 at 7:45 am Yes, love Cades Cove so much! I have so many amazing memories from growing up there. You live in a beautiful part of the country, Michele! Reply
Anita says March 24, 2016 at 12:45 am Oh my goodness, this is the sweetest post:-) What a gift being a mom is. I have three babies, and I could not love them more. I rode my bike as a kid around that 11 mile loop many times as a kid–I know it so well, and have great memories there too –and with bears carrying off my parents cooler:-) Reply