Mother's Day

With a year and a half and two Mother's Days under my belt, I am finally confident that yes, they were right to let us take this child home. There is nothing that can completely prepare you for being a parent. It is both awesome and exhausting and constantly changing. Two years ago I would never have believed you if you told me that it wouldn't phase me to go to work with snot smeared on my shoulder. Nor would I have believed that you can live off two hours of sleep at a time for months straight. (Thank God those days are past)! I have learned a lot of the last 18 months and I have many many more years of learning. Mother's Day seems like a good time to reflect on the mother and grandmother's that have influenced me and on the things I love about being a mom. I'll start with me:

Being a mom is...

• The best hugs and sloppiest kisses.
• laying in bed listening to a crying baby and praying that he will fall back asleep because your husband sure isn't waking up to get him...
• Hearing that little voice call you mama for the first time.
• A million new reasons to love your husband.
• Laughing at all the funny things your kid does and thinking he is the coolest person ever.
• Being so proud of the daily accomplishments like rolling over and learning how to use a fork.
• A reason for every stranger you pass to talk to you (and tell you how stinkin cute your kid is).
• Reminding yourself that everyone doesn't want to hear about your birth story or about how you got peed on.
• Praying. A lot.
• Crying at movies like Dumbo. (Don't tell me you didn't tear up when his mom rocked him).
• Holding a sleeping baby and thanking God for the miracle in your arms.
• Looking at a screaming toddler and thanking God for the turd throwing himself on the floor while kicking and screaming.
  
• Respecting your parents so much more.
• Realizing the things your kid does that are so payback for your childhood.
• Knowing that three is truly a magic number.
  

I have loved seeing my own mother turn into a grandmother, I have such fond memories of growing up with mine and I love it that Cian has two wonderful grandmothers as well. I saw a quote the other day that said, "Grandma's don't just say "that's nice"--they reel back and roll their eyes up and throw their hands and smile. You get your money's worth with grandmas." I thought this was so perfect! Grandmother's truly have time to listen to their grandkids and slow down when mom is too worried about getting everything done.

I would like to show some love to my mom, my Mamaw Leet, who is still alive and my Mamaw Dot who passed away when I was in high school.
Mom is...

• The person who comes to your four hour swim meet even though you only got to swim for 40 seconds.
• The one who worries every year that you won't have enough people at your birthday party.
• so sure you should have made the newspaper staff and still believes in you when you don't.
• There to bandage you and give you a kiss when you get a boo boo.
• A gentle voice singing you a lullaby.
• The person to call when you are at the grocery store and have no idea what to buy.
• The voice of reason when your ideas get a little out there.
• The voice of reason when you don't want a voice of reason.
• Always there.
  

Mamaw Leet is...

• A gentle brush running through your hair while you watch Golden Girls.
• Pushing you on the porch swing while singing "Mr. Sandman"and "Swing Low Sweet Chariot"
• A nap together in the afternoon (whether you wanted one or not).
• Telling you about the man in the attic to get you to go to sleep at night.
• Pancakes waiting for you when you wake up in the morning.
• Sitting out in the yard under a huge old tree peeling vegetables from the garden.
  
• The best chocolate cake in the world
• Sunday mornings at church.

Mamaw Dot is...

• Little Debbies and Cokes whenever you want them.
• Cigarettes in long cigarette holders.
• Pretending to be surprised when you sneak up the creaky stairs and say "boo"!
  
• A bell to ring when you are sick and need something.
• A new movie or cartoon taped just for you.
• Golf lessons.
• White butter crackers.
• Big birthday celebrations.
• Oh Flit!

It is so wonderful to have such great memories and stories from my mom and grandmothers, I hope that Cian can look back on his childhood one day and feel the same way.

Happy Mother's Day!