Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my very own mom, mother in law, sister, sister in law, aunts, cousins, and friends! This is a day we honor our mothers. Motherhood is a wonderful opportunity that we as women have. It's also the toughest, most demanding, and sometimes, most unappreciated job in the world!! I told Maddox I that I was thankful this morning to him because he made me a mother! I guess I should thank Jim, too, because he's responsible also. Maddox made me a mother, but I do believe that Cooper has made me a better one (though I still have LOTS of room for improvement). Cooper has taught me to relax and to enjoy all the stages of their lives.

The boys have taught me A LOT over the past 4.5 years. They have been an incredible blessing and I love them both more than words could ever express. They have taught me a great deal about perspective. I read several other mom's blogs and caring bridge sites on a regular basis. As I read the entries of how women are fighting for their children's' lives whether with major pregnancy complications, a husband overseas, a child with cancer, or other chronic illness I realize how good I have it! I have two HEALTHY children! Yes, they have the occasional ear infection or cold, the stomach flu that seems to last forever, but I KNOW that they will recover and be back to normal is a few days. Even though Jim works a lot and long hours, I know that he will eventually come home. Sometimes after 36+ hours of being a pseudo-single parent I get real crabby (I'm sure none of you can believe this)...but, I know that he will come home....and I'm NOT a single parent. I have a loving husband and a good father that will be home as soon as he can! We are blessed that he has a job (or 3) and that he is able to do something that he really and truly looks forward to every day AND I'm able to stay home and raise our children.

I've learned from my guys to trust my instincts and go with me gut! I have found that with my kids, I've found a voice! Not that I didn't have one before, I have opinions, and would really prefer people do as I say...we'd all be happier that way ;)! I have found myself able to stand up for my kids and be their advocate when it comes to medical care especially. If my gut tells me, something is not right, I have spoken up and gotten the ball rolling to get to the heart of the situation.

I've learned to cut myself some slack and not take my role as mother so seriously! It's ok not to be perfect. I've learned from some great girlfriends that everyone has their breaking point. Everyone has had to use their "scary mom voice" to get their kids attention. If you have a bad moment or a bad day, it's not the end of the world. You remind yourself what's important and move forward! This parenting stuff is hard work!

I hope that one day my boys look back on their childhood fondly. I hope that they know that they are loved. I hope that they understand what it took to get them into the world and how much we wanted them! I hope they understand how they have changed my life in such a positive way. I love you, Maddox and Cooper. Thanks for making me a mom. God knew what he was doing when he gave you two to me. Smoochies!