Monday, May 5, 2014

Mother's Day is Everyday

The Headlines:


The official Mother's Day is this Sunday.

That means nothing to me.

Because every day means much more.





As I write this, it's 7:30 in the morning and my house is silent.  Not typical.  But sooner than later it will be.  It will be quiet every morning.  Because this precious time is so fleeting, in the blink of an eye it will be gone.

I am a mom.  That chapter of my life started back in 2006 when I was ready and up for the task.  It's a hard job and I don't get paid much in cash but I would consider myself one of the richest persons in the world.

Mother's Day is May 11th this year and while I know it is the designated day for sons and daughters, husbands and even pets to pay a bit more attention to the one who keeps their family fun bus running like a well oiled machine.. no fuss is needed here.

Why?  Because I love my job and Mother's "Day" is every day to me.  Some of them good ("dance with me mommy"), some of them gross (cleaning throw up all over my bed sheets last night) but all - worth it.

When my daughter was a baby I got stopped by people all the time because she had this porcelain skin with very dark hair - which meant lots of admirers.  It was about this time, that random people would also adoringly throw in "it goes so fast…"  If you're a mom (or dad for that matter), you know exactly what I mean because it's happened to you too, right?  Remember this scenario?  An older man or woman, looking upon you graciously, smiling and saying, "it'll be over before you know it…"  and then you spouting back some smart aleck comment like "that's the hope!" Yep, in that check out line it happens time and time again because people have nothing better to do.  So they watch, admire and remember.

It wasn't until years later that I no longer wanted to sarcastically comment back to those people.  In fact, I was starting to become them.  I now longingly looked at the newborns since my little lady had grown into a toddler.  It was at that time it began to dawn on me.  Those people were right.  It does go way too fast.  Your baby becomes a preschooler and then a third grader, high schooler and soon they're off to college.  You watched it all and may have even wished some of it away.  But now, it's just gone.  

Yes, I'm getting ahead of myself.  My days aren't gone for good yet.  My kids are still little for now.  But I do think about the years that already seem to race by.  I count the birthdays until my first born will no longer live at home.  And I think about how life will change when my son no longer needs me, exclusively, to take him to bed.  Because those days are numbered like all the rest!


For there is only one first haircut.

 Only one time your daughter will get her ears pierced (at least for mine)!!!


Hopefully, only one black eye from your 2 year old son (not on purpose)!  And by the way, it was even worse in person!

There is only one first snow fall…


And one first Halloween costume but, thankfully, many Halloweens to go...


There are still many sleepy car trips ahead...


There are lots of big smiles to make…


but keep them close to your heart.  Wish for longer days not shorter.  Play with your children while they still want you to and pay attention to small things.  They often matter more than the big… because soon enough bath time water fights will stop.  Your back will no longer hurt with the words "mama hold me" and you will no longer be asked "what's for dinner?" at breakfast.  Those days will be replaced with long, hot showers.  Back massages without having to schedule a sitter.  And actually eating dinner at breakfast, if you choose.  Once it's gone, it's gone for good.  So while it's here make every day your Mother's "Day."  That's what I intend to do. 

Ahhhhh… now, that's what I like to hear… the pitter patter of tiny footsteps heading down the hallway.  The start of a new adventure awaits.



2 comments

  1. So SWEET! Thanks for sharing some of those precious photos and memories....my "baby" is about to be 10 months, and I can already feel him "leaving me! " *tear tear*

    ReplyDelete

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