The Greatest Gift

Becoming a mother was the greatest gift that I have been given in my life.  If you are a mother, then you understand when I say to you that the love you have for your child is like none other.  I got my precious gifts a little late in life, but it was certainly worth the wait. There are days that I want to laugh, cry, smile, pull my hair out, giggle, and hide in the closet just to get some peace in the house — and that may be in just the first twenty minutes of the day.   It is a true honor to be on this great roller coaster of life better known as mommyhood.  Here are a few things I’ve learned or have thought along the way. 

Hearing “I love you, mommy!” will melt your heart every time you hear it.  Seeing your baby sign “I love you” will cause you to shed a tear of joy.

Hearing “mom” in public will make you turn your head even if your own children are firmly by your side.

Will I ever get to use the bathroom or shower again without someone saying “Mom”?

Naptime or “quiet time” is my new happy hour. 

The nicer your outfit, the more likely that you’ll get some type of stain on it.

Just mentioning the words, “preschool graduation” will make a mom tear up.  That’s been me lately.   Let’s not even talk about that first day of kindergarten.  Better stock up on those tissues now.

Shouldn’t I have an honorary medical degree since I’ve looked up so many child illnesses on the Internet and have called my pediatrician’s nursing line at the first sign of an ailment?

I can easily find a common bond with another mom.  Whether rich or poor, liberal or conservative, we all are mothers and can relate to the love we have for our children.  So go ahead, strike up that conversation with another mom at the park or in the checkout line.  You have more in common than you may think.

It never ceases to amaze me how much stuff we can fit in our car for a road trip.

Hearing “I don’t know what to do” sounds like nails on a chalkboard.

Who knew that so much pooh could come out of a little baby?

Since becoming a mom, I feel other parents’ pain more than ever before.

I love being a mom because it gives me a free pass to do fun things like “dancing in public” at children’s concerts, and experiencing the magic of Walt Disney World through my child’s eyes.   I’m not sure who was more excited to see the Wiggles: me or my son?

Try to remember that when your child is kicking, screaming, yelling, or picking his nose in Target, you’re not alone!  There was probably another mom who had a child do the same thing an hour earlier on aisle three.

Being a mom has strengthened my own relationship with my mom, and I appreciate her even more for all that she had to endure to put up with me.

Don’t blink! It’s amazing how fast these children grow.  Has it already been 5 1/2 years since my first child was placed in my arms?  And 18 months ago since my little pink bundle of joy arrived?

Being a mom is the hardest job you will ever do in your life.  Being a mom is the GREATEST job you will ever do in your lifetime.

Being a mom is a true gift of joy.

Happy Mother’s Day, Moms!

This post was written for the News and Observer's Triangle Mom2Mom website.