This past Sunday was a very special one to me - it was my first Mother's Day....as a mommy. Sure, I've celebrated this holiday for years, thinking of new and creative gifts for my mom... but this one was different. Not only was I the one giving gifts, I was also receiving them.
I thought long and hard about what I would like to get - pedicure, manicure, spa day, house cleaning, carpet cleaning, chocolates, flowers, a day of no laundry.... I could go on and on here. I told my husband that I wanted to sleep in on Mother's Day - bask in the glory of tangled sheets, a spinning ceiling fan and closed blinds. I anticipated the big day the entire week before. My first Mother's Day was coming!!
Then, it came. I heard Tristan wake up and watched John as he tried to sneak out. Through the monitor, I heard him get Tristan out of the crib and change his diaper. Then I heard them go downstairs. A few minutes later, I heard Tristan run around in the walker with squeals of delight. I could also hear John as he took the dog out, made the bottle, and shuffled around in the kitchen.
And then.... I got up. I had the opportunity of sleeping in, but look at what I was missing! I wanted to be downstairs with my baby and my husband. I wanted to help with the bottle. I wanted to snuggle and play.
Although my day was filled with acknowledgment from friends, family and of course, my sweet husband, it was a day that I became more aware of just how important being a mommy really is. I was given the day off from diaper duty and I didn't even have to change Tristan's clothes. The day was absolutely wonderful, but it was hard, too!
I realize that I don't take care of my baby just because I'm his mommy, but because I WANT to take care of him. I want to *gasp* change his diapers. I want to feed him. I want to pick out his clothes and dress him. I want to do it all. I know he'll grow up so quickly and all of these moments will fade into memories... so I want more.
I want more Mother's Days. I want more sweet snuggles and sloppy kisses. I will always remember my first day celebrating this holiday as a mommy.
Our children will grow, but our desire to nurture and care for them will always be there. Happy Mother's Day to all.