Joy in the Wonderment is an online journal written by Katie. You can find the Joy in the Wonderment archives here or access all of Blissfully Domestic’s online journals here.

The most surprising aspect of motherhood to me is the wonderment.

During pregnancy, most people only talk about your impending lack of sleep and messy house. But few will tell you to prepare for a heart upheaval.

Every mother experiences it. Marveling at the nose, lips, fingers and toes. Awestruck by the ever-changing development.

And, most mysterious of all, wondering how our kids surprise us every day by just being themselves.

I thought I loved my daughter before I even met her, but that was nothing to the overwhelming wonder intermingled with all-consuming love which courses through a new mother holding her baby for the first time

During those first weeks and months, I fell totally and completely, head-over-heels in love with her.

Just feeling the pudgy wrinkles on her fingers made me swoon. My breath caught just above my heart as I witnessed her first smile, first laugh, first explosive dirty diaper. (OK, maybe not that last one.)

I continually experienced moments in which my heart actually hurt as love did the seemingly impossible: increase.

Fast-forward 20 months: I got absolutely nothing done today. Madeline is sick and needed me to hold her. All. Day. Long.

I was tired and frustrated. My to-do list was endless and I couldn’t even cross off “make dinner.”

But as we were cuddling, I noticed her feet, peeking out from under the blanket. Suddenly I had to grip those itty-bitty toes, feel the smoothness of her foot. And familiarity swept over me.

The seemingly impossible happened all over again. Love increased where it already abounded. There is joy in the wonderment.

Photo by A. Bryan Photography

Katie is a freelance writer and mom to a little girl with a big personality. You can find her embarrassing herself at Heart Gone Walking with her thoughts and way too many Britney Spears references.