We continue our three-part motherhood blog series today with Jodi Phillip, whose journey is marked with many obstacles and unexpected pains, but who has chosen to fight for her miracles amidst the chaos and experience the pure joy that is 'becoming a mom.'

Jodi Phillip, Director of Public Relations with her new baby girl, Rory

I've experienced Mother's Day as a bereaved parent, exhausted new mom and also a woman facing infertility. Each season has been hard in its own way, just like the path to motherhood is for so many women. 

My first baby, a boy named Charlie, was unexpectedly born sleeping at 38 weeks. The collision of that sweet anticipation with unexpected loss was the biggest blow. We were so sad and angry. And although there was great pain, there were moments of joy, too. We felt the same sense of pride that all new parents do. We got to hold our miracle and he gave us the courage to try and grow our family again.

Our second son, Boone, was the answer to many prayers. Pregnancy after a full-term loss is terrifying, but because of our previous experience, we were grateful to be pregnant again. Boone was born early but healthy, and has been our grace amidst the pain ever since. He's now a loud, charismatic three-year-old and, thanks to the incredible IVF process, he's a big brother. 

We were not expecting to run into infertility. Doctors said I'd developed endometriosis and that IVF may likely be our only hope. So, we took a huge leap of faith and decided to give it one try. The process taught us so much about sacrifice and patience, and I'm writing this post as I hold our four-week-old daughter, Rory - our six-pound blessing from a very long, hard pregnancy. 

I'll never forget how I felt on my first Mother's Day as a bereaved mom - it was like salt in a deep wound. I felt awkward and less than other women who were moms. As we approach Sunday, my hope is that we can practice compassion. To those who are longing to be moms or who are raw in grief. To those with sleepless newborns or those who recently lost their own mothers. 

Over time, I've come to accept that there is a divine order to all the chaos I experienced, and that the journey is always worth it. My sweet babies are tangible proof of this. Wherever you are this Mother's Day, I hope you feel valued, honored and strong. Because you are.