Mama & Bonus Mama: My Heart in Four Pieces ♥️

If someone had told me years ago that my heart would be spread across four little humans — two I carried and two I was lucky enough to be chosen by — I wouldn’t have believed them. But here I am, proud mama to Layton and Gracie, and honored bonus momma to Kendra and Rayna. And somehow, each of them has taught me something different about love, patience, and purpose.

Layton & Gracie: My First Loves💜💙

Layton made me a mama. Gracie softened me in the best ways. Together, they’re a whirlwind of laughs, sass, sticky hugs, and those moments that stop time — like Layton randomly telling me I’m his best friend, or Gracie crawling into my lap when she thinks I need a break (even if I didn’t know I did).

Layton is full of energy and heart — always the helper, always the cheer brother, and always ready to lend a hand or tell a story. Gracie has a sparkle in her eyes that keeps us all on our toes. She’s sweet but fierce, with a voice that makes sure she’s heard (and trust me, she usually is).

Kendra & Rayna: My Chosen Loves

Being a bonus mama isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Kendra and Rayna didn’t come from me, but they’re in me — in my routines, my worries, my smiles. I don’t take lightly the privilege of loving them, cheering for them, and walking through life by their side.

Kendra is strong and bright, with a sense of humor that sneaks up and surprises you in the best way. Rayna’s got a fire in her soul and a kindness that can melt even the hardest days. Watching them grow into their own has been one of the greatest gifts.

Blended, Blessed, and Beautifully Ours

Our family might not look like a perfectly packaged storybook — but it’s real, and it’s ours. We’re built on shared moments, messy dinners, road trips, carpool chaos, and love. Lots of love.

I’m still learning as I go — when to step in, when to give space, when to just listen. But what I do know is this: there’s no difference in the way I love these four. Whether I carried them in my belly or walked into their lives a little later, they each carry a piece of my heart.

At the end of the day, I’m just grateful. Grateful to be “mama” and “bonus mama.” Grateful for the laughter, the hugs, the cheer performances, the bedtime talks, choir/band concerts, and even the occasional eye rolls.

This is motherhood, my way — a little bit wild, a whole lotta love, and perfectly imperfect.