Another Mother's Day

Yesterday was Mother’s Day. Our two children came in and snuggled with me for a few moments. Then they wanted to know if I wanted the traditional Mother’s Day breakfast in bed. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I said no. I asked for toast with peanut butter on it. A small glass of milk. They took off in a run to the kitchen. I could hear them talking to each other as they prepared my breakfast. My Little Big Guy came in to ask if I wanted any fruit – an apple or grapes with my toast. In a few minutes, I was served breakfast. They sat with me for a few minutes but then asked if they could go eat. I said yes, gathered my tray and glass, and joined them.

Precious traditions. Precious children. Precious memories.

They are so thoughtful and so giving. They are gifts for us to love, teach and enjoy. They are true blessings.

Parenthood. How does one describe parenthood?
Unbelievable.
Difficult.
Rewarding.

I remember the day my doctor confirmed that I was expecting our first child. I had waited years to hear that wonderful news! That was over ten years ago. I enjoyed two wonderful pregnancies. Very similar to each other in many ways. Yet different. Just like today! I had one food craving. One craving, just once. I wanted twinkies. I never eat or buy twinkies so why I craved this item (I can’t call it a food), bewildered me. It took a few days to track down a twinkie (I wasn’t looking very hard) and once I did, after eating one, I had my fill. In fact, the first month of my first pregnancy, I had food aversions not cravings. I couldn’t think of eating or drinking some of my favorites – peanut butter and hot tea. At times, it was hard to be in the kitchen as the aromas would make me sick. Occasionally, I had to leave the table because watching people eat made me uncomfortable. I was glad when that phase passed. The next eight months went smoothly. Labor was long. My body was tired. I was hungry and wanted to sleep. I wanted for the nurse to bring my little pink bundle to me. She was my focus once in my arms. My second delivery was considerably shorter and easier. Labor is an event that most mothers’ have to endure. The labor pains, discomfort and difficulties you experience are all erased from your mind once that newborn baby is placed in your arms. My world exploded. We have a baby. Motherhood. Responsibility. Time to focus on your child. And focus I did.

I enjoyed the time I had at home with each child before having to return to work. Returning to work was a struggle. An emotional struggle and one that I still confront every Monday. The best part of my days, even now, is returning to my children and home. Being together again. There is nothing better than all of us being together. Family.

I remember the first fever our daughter had and the panic I felt. I stress when our children are sick. It gets easier as they get older because they can tell you where it hurts. I asked my mother once why no one ever mentioned fevers in the middle of the night, vomiting spells that can last days, trips to the doctors, dealing with medications, hospitalizations, separation...and she responded with a question of her own. Would that have stopped you from having a child? No. I still would have had my babies. Because in the end, every last diaper change, late night/early morning with a sick child, whatever at the moment you think you’ll never survive, well, you do and it is all worth it.

A child telling you s/he loves you.
Hugs from them, just because.
Sticky kisses. Wet kisses. Snotty kisses.
Boo-boos and blood.
Mismatched outfits that a two-year old picks out. (Yes, I let them wear every one of them.)
Playing dolls, trucks and cars.
Playdough and fingerpaints.
Watching the SAME movie for the one-thousandth time.
Having toys laying all over from one end of the house to another. (and you JUST cleaned)
Always having someone calling for you, especially when you find that one moment to sit down.
What is private bathroom time?
Hearing them laugh.
Having to answer questions you only get from a child.
Seeing life through innocent eyes.

I cannot imagine life without children. I am thankful for serving a God that blessed me with two beautiful, smart and healthy children. Caring for them, loving them and watching them grow is so remarkable. So rewarding.

I love you both! Hugs and kisses.