Mother's Day Look Back

Now that my 13th Mother's Day as a mother is over I would like to share some things I was thinking about this year. I was thinking back to my very first Mother's Day when Natalie was just a few weeks old. It was a special day I'm sure. However, I distinctly remember wanting a true day off from being a mom. Meaning no diaper changes, no feedings, just me enjoying the day. It didn't happen that way of course. And it never has, but every year I would always really really want that on Mother's Day. Just that one day.

This year I just didn't care. Maybe I've learned to just not expect it. Maybe I've learned to not expect a whole lot. Maybe mothering is just so much a part of who I am now that I just wouldn't know what to do with myself. Now don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed all of my other Mother's Days even if it wasn't what I expected it to be. This year was just different.

I got up like any other day and I fed Alyssa. CJ cried for daddy who wasn't home and didn't want me to get him out. I did dishes, I washed laundry, I cleaned up, I gave baths, and I of course changed diapers. I broke up fights and dealt with preteen attitude and toddler temper tantrums. I did what I do everyday. I was a mom. I got presents and dinner out with family. I cut up my toddlers meal and I shared my meal with one of my children. I did not resent a single second of having to do any of it either just because it was Mother's Day.

As shocking as this may be, the best gift I got for Mother's Day was Alyssa not crying during her bath. It's the little things. Don't get me wrong, I love my bracelet that the kids got me, I love the necklace that Joe got me, and I loved my millions of homemade cards and artwork from the children, but to not have to bathe a screaming squirmy baby really was the best thing I could have gotten. It took me 13 years to get it I guess, but being a mom really is a 24/7 job. There really is no break from it and I wouldn't have it any other way.

If I had to change anything about the day it would have been a televised Mets game and they would have won. I mean really, is that asking too much?

In honor of Mother's Day starting tonight and for the next 4 Mondays I am going to be sharing my birth stories. So check back later.