The Joys of Motherhood

I dreamed of being a mom for as long as I can remember.  The idea that I could be the one in charge was probably too much to pass up for a control freak like me!  :)  However, since being a mother I have realized a few things.  1)  Motherhood and being in charge is a LOT harder than I ever dreamed it would be.  2)  Yes, my mother did know more than I thought she did.  And on most occasions she was right.  3)  I never realized that one tiny little being could completely envelop me the way my children have.  I never understood when my mother said I love you differently.  (speaking of my sisters and I)  I know that now. 

I love my sweet Lexi more than words can express.  I love her caring heart and her determination.  I love her desire to learn about the world around her.  She is very curious and is constantly asking questions.  Because of this she has a knowledge of things that many children her age probably don't.  Many recent issues within our country have intrigued her.  They leave her asking questions such as, "what will happen to him now that he has died"  and "where will the people go if there is a meltdown".  At the age of 2 she was so concerned about the hurricane in the gulf.  She was constantly asking about the people there and their safety.  This makes me proud to be a mother. 

I love my little Gavy in a totally different way.  He is the spunkiest, most destructive little animal I have ever seen!!  He has a way with both Ryan and I.  How can it be that this little guy can go from pulling EVERY toy out of the boxes that I just put up, to climbing on top of the couch and jumping off, to climbing up on my lap and giving me kisses?  His sweet smile melts my heart in a way I have never felt.  There is no challenge that Gavin can not handle. He WILL figure it out...or he will run to Mommy and she will figure it out.  ;)  He loves everyone around him.  His separation anxiety phase was short lived as he discovered how fun other people could be and that Mommy and Daddy always came home.  I see his sweetness when at the Children's Museum he is the only little boy his age sharing the toys with other kids...without being asked.  He wants to be good and make others happy even at such a young age.  This makes me proud to be a mother. 

I see the example that my mother set for me.  She was such an amazing mother.  Even with having to go to school 2 hours away, working crazy hours, and having to manage our own personal teenage crazies she was still there for us.  She always tried to make it to our events.  She was there for us when we were sick.  She was there when we were heartbroken.  She was there when I was a mommy and needed my mommy more than anything.  I have had so many ups and downs in my life and she was always right there with me.  I hope she knows just how much I love her and what an inspiration she is to me.  I hope one day I can look back on my life as a mom and be as proud of myself as I am with her. 

I love you Mom!!