Mommyhood: The coolest club

Jake asked me today if I remembered the day he was born.
I looked at him, smiled and said, "It was one of the happiest moments in my life."
He gave me a curious grin and then asked, "Why?"
"That is the day God decided that I would be your Mommy," I replied.

March 12, 2008: My initiation into Mommyhood

I woke up around 3 a.m. with labor pains. Nothing bad, just a little uncomfortable. It was weeks before my due date and although I had wished this day would hurry and come for months, suddenly I was a little panicked.
I didn't think I was ready to be a mother. Jake still had some cooking to do before making his grand debut and I needed that time to prepare. I was also a little scared at the thought of being responsible for someone's well-being.
What if I broke him?
Part of me was screaming, "You should have thought about that 9 months ago!"
The other half was just overwhelmed with crazy pregnancy hormones. (They make you a little weird y'all.)
But, those thoughts and insecurities melted away the second I held my beautiful 8 lb. 5 oz. squishy little boy.
In that instance, a switch was flipped on and a light came shining down - I was a full-fledged mamma.
That didn't mean that I had it all figured out by any means.
I still don't, even after popping out another one.(I am sure I won't no matter how many children I have.)
But what I have figured out, through many tears, sleepless nights and tons of laughter is: I don't have to be perfect. I just have to be there.
Today my son was asked why he loved me.
His response melted me heart.
He said: "She gives me chocolate milk and plays baseball with me."
The first part of his response just cracks me up. I mean, who doesn't love chocolate milk?
The second part makes my heart sing.
He just likes being with me.
He doesn't care what we're doing. It doesn't have to be expensive activities. He just wants me there.
I want to strive and do more of this.
Even as a stay-at-home mom, I can get busy.
I sometimes find myself saying, "not right now ... hold on ... just a minute ..."
When I do catch myself, I stop everything to give my kids my undivided attention.
I never want them to think that Mom is too busy for them or their problems.
My goal for this upcoming year is to not let the busy world interfere with my special time with my babies. After all, they grow up so quick.
In a few short months, Jake will head off to kindergarten. I will blink and he will be graduating.
I want to savor every minute of it.

Happy Mothers Day to all you hot mammas and mammas-to-be!
XOXO, Ader