To all the moms out there—Happy Mother’s Day! We all need to take a moment to appreciate the good moments with our kids and give ourselves a pat on the back for all our hard work this year.

Parenting is hard. I’d be lying if I didn’t say the last year of my life, raising two kids under 2, has been the most challenging and difficult. People say parenting is rewarding — I haven’t gotten to the rewarding part yet, but I’ve seen glimpses.

Those glimpses, very few and far between, are what get me through the day. Like yesterday, Rocco was singing ‘the wheels on the bus’ — one of the lines was “the daddy on the bus says, I love you, I love you, I love you…”—and then awhile later, mommy said “I love you” too. My heart melted.

I think I’ve said it before, but parents who stay home with their kids, either out of necessity or choice, are saints. And those childcare providers who care for my kids during the day while I’m at work, well, you are my saviors, and you deserve a lot of credit.

I won’t take the time to complain further about how difficult it has been dealing with a colicky baby and a toddler who tantrums, constantly, all in the same year, but I will instead be thankful for two healthy and beautiful children. Thankful that I have a present and loving husband and grateful that my kids love me unconditionally and are excited and happy to see me and spend time with me.

It is often difficult to be present, to enjoy the moment, when you’re constantly battling tantrums, a ridiculous amount of dirty diapers, and overly emotional children, but I’m going to try. I’m going to try to start each day to see the positives and quickly let go of the negatives. I’m going to try to be even more patient and loving and present. That is my Mother’s Day gift to myself, to let things go and revel in the positives.

Happy Mother’s day to all the moms out there!