I think the approaching Mother's Day has me waxing sentimental. I love this day almost more than any other day of the year. I look forward to the hand made gifts from my children and the scheduled "me time" that I inevitably get because I am married to the most thoughtful man alive. But, these aren't what make the day so good for me. This is my day to sit and reflect on how blessed I am to be a mother and particularly the relationship I have with each of these little people I have been given the sacred responsibility to watch over. I really wish I could say that I am the kind of person who appreciates each day with my children, living in the moment and enjoying myself despite the lunacy of it all. Don't get me wrong, hide and seek for the poop sessions, middle of the night efforts to just get someone to "fall the H&!! asleep", and cleaning only to have someone follow right behind me to mess it up can be fun, but it can get a bit monotonous. I tend to be the type of girl who puts tasks before people, a trait I am ashamed of and am constantly trying to improve. This is why I love Mother's Day so much. I can appreciate my children for the amazing people they are and really enjoy what it means to be a mom. These special souls are so awesome, and this is why:
Noah
I haven't known you for your whole life, but I know that you've been cool since the very beginning because of this picture here.
When your dad and I got married when you were 5, the only thing I could really say that I knew about you was that you only ate a careful combination of carbs and cheese, and you seemed to cry about EVERYTHING. It intimidated the snot out of me to begin parenting a child "mid stream".
Though I think we did pretty well under the circumstances, it was an unavoidable rough start. I am so glad that those days are behind us. Now that sweet little baby face with its pudgy cheeks has been replaced with the face of a young man. Here are a few things I have learned about you since then:
You have a sensitivity for others' feelings and the compassion of a much older person that comes only from experiencing intense difficulty and loss at a very young age.
You eat like a horse now. I suppose there is no happy medium.
You set your eyes on a goal with steely determination and work at it until you achieve your desires.
You work really, really hard. No one will ever be able to call you lazy.
You set the tone for sibling relations in our family, and its a really good tone. I can't believe my luck that my children never fight and rarely disagree.
You still forgive me every time I screw up. I am hoping (but not betting) that this will continue as you get older.
You genuinely want to do what is right.
You would play basketball every day, hour, minute, and second of your life if you were allowed.
You're a great reader! They won't even let you check out the books at the school library that are in your reading level because they said they would be "too mature" for you. Whatever that means.
Your jokes don't suck anymore.
Reagan
My buddy. I feel like you were a gift from God to get me through hell and back again.
I thank my lucky stars every day that I have a piece of your daddy with me as I go through this life. I don't think we have a whole lot in common, at least not yet, but I think this is a case of opposites attract. I love what makes you, well, YOU.
You have the best memory of any kid I have ever seen. I knew I was in trouble when you memorized all of the Articles of Faith when you were in nursery. All I could think about was that I better never ever do you wrong or you would never forget it.
You are all girl. You love dresses, makeup, and dolls (so unlike me).
Inversely, you like to be viewed as tough, getting in there and doing what the boys are doing. You hate when people see you cry.
You want to please your parents and your leaders. You never want to disappoint us and in your school class you have never once "clipped down". Apparently, that's a big deal.
Somehow you have managed to feel a close connection to your daddy, even though you have no memories of him.
You.are.smart. Oh, my heck. I am dreading the approach of the 4th grade when you will undoubtedly pass me up in intelligence and ability level.
You are a perfectionist.
Despite being bit, pinched and having your hair pulled on an almost daily basis, you deal with your little sister with the patience of Job. You're a better woman than I.
McKay
For me, you will always be the glue that truly united this family. You are the child that I was able to have after fearing that I may never get the chance again. You signify hope and renewal.
McKay. McKay. McKay......McKay. What can I say? Words cannot express the personality contained in this 27 pound body.
You are naughty, naughty naughty. I know this is supposed be a list of strengths, so here is the strength. I don't know how you do it, but you commit your naughtiness with a charisma that makes it hard to get mad at you. I am sure this is a recipe for creating a horrible teenager, but I suppose we will cross that bridge when it comes.
You are independent. You want to do everything yourself.
You look up to your older sister like she is a Hollywood star. You even stated this morning that "I hate Elsa", a fact we all know to be the opposite of true. You were just trying to be like Reagan.
You are sensitive to others feelings and are able to sense when someone needs a pick me up.
You have a bottomless pit of energy that I am sure will service you well someday. I just hope I live to see that day.
You have a close relationship with your dad that is so endearing. You two really get each other :)
You love to hear a good book and have an above average ability to sit and listen.
You always clean up your own messes.
Cannon
There was a time when I was afraid of having a little boy. I had never done it before, and it seemed so different from having a girl, so I didn't want to do it. I was nervous at first, but I am a believer now. You have me wrapped around your little finger. I could eat your face. Literally. Who could resist that little baby hairless rat face? (I don't do a very good job making fat babies).
It has been a treat watching your personality develop. Its still early yet to tell, but so far it seems like you are going to be rad.
You are physically more advanced than my other kids. You sat, stood, and took steps light years before the others.
You are cuddly. You like to snuggle up to me and you make me feel like you like me.
You laugh is infectious, coming from deep down in yo' belly.You really like books. Both eating them and reading them.
Your head is really lumpy and misshapen. It gives you personality.
You can go from minding your own business playing where you are supposed to downstairs to finding your sisters money on her floor upstairs in a matter of 20 seconds flat.
You started sleeping through the night pretty early (for the most part). Thanks for that.
You absolutely refuse to drink anything from a bottle. Sorry. That's not a strength. That's just plain defiance.
I am so grateful for the gift it is to be these tiny people's mother. Here's to remembering that fact every day, even during the crazy times :)
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