Being a Mom

As Thud's first birthday approaches, I have started reflecting on the first year of his young life. Being a mother has certainly been the hardest thing I have ever done. I feel I need to put that out there because it is like a weird cult. Everyone paints a candy-coated picture of parenting while you contemplate it. Then when you have the baby everyone who is a parent says "Oh it gets better" or "Sleep when you can" or "It is easier when they are older". I feel the need to be honest now to you while you have no kids or are thinking about kids or maybe while you need to back up the birth control!

Having said this, motherhood also has had rewards that have far exceeded my wildest dreams. Here is my list of my favorite things about being called Mommy.

1) the nap- he is happy and smiley and at the top of his game after a good nap. His new game is turning the light switch off and on in his bedroom, which he can reach from his crib.

2) the giggles- Thud has always been a great laugher. He continues to be that way and for that I am so very grateful. He laughs at a lot of different things. The other day he broke out laughing at a box of Jell-o. You can't beat that with a stick.

3) the seek- There is nothing like knowing that someone is seeking you out specifically for comfort or just cause they like you. It makes me feel squishy inside to know that I can provide a sense of security for someone like no one else can.

4) the new- Watching someone explore an everyday object for the first time is amazing. They want to know what it is and how it works. It may just be a belt to me but to Thud it is something to ponder and explore. What does it do? Can I fit it in my mouth? Will someone come running after me to take it away?