Motherhood

There is no better time to reflect upon motherhood than on Mother's Day.  I have dreamed about being a mother since I was a little girl.  Even at the young age of three I thought about what it would be like to have my own home and care for children.

As one of four children spaced closely together.  It never occurred to me that getting pregnant wouldn't be easy.  The road to motherhood was a humbling experience.  After one exceedingly long and miserable pregnancy,  I joined the ranks.  It was kind of like joining a secret society that I hadn't quite realized existed.  My whole world view changed.  Suddenly, I was deeply affected by commercials and while once a little weepy during Dumbo, I needed boxes of kleenex.

I've always been a serious person and struggled with open affections.  Sometimes these tendencies were mistaken by others as being cold.  While I still take a fairly serious view towards the world, I have softened.  Having little children changed me.  When I went back to work after Linus, my principal and several co-workers commented on the change.  I wasn't bad before, but they noticed how I seemed less stressed, more carefree.  As a teacher, motherhood taught me how to finally let go of the control I was constantly trying to maintain.

My children make me want to be a better person.

Today my family gave me what I needed most, quality family time mixed with lots of alone time.  I got to sleep in and read while they went out to the local French bakery to bring me back coffee and yummy goodies.  After some bed snuggling and eating, I read some more and took a shower.  While I got ready, Linus and Dave picked me a lovely bouquet.

When I came downstairs, not only were kids dressed, but Dave had already packed everything for a picnic.  We walked to the Woodland Park Playground for some fun, before walking further to Fremont Peak Park.  The weather was perfect.

Linus took this pic.  He loves using my camera and he is getting pretty good.

Sadly, I enjoyed the sun too much and got very sunburned on the walk home.  Back home, while the kids napped, I got a mani-pedi.  Dave and Linus stepped out for a little bit and brought me back a beautiful necklace.  FYI.  Linus cannot keep a secret.  I even had time today to do some writing before my sister, Sally, and her fiancee, Bryan came over for pizza and watching the new Muppet movie.  Once the kids were in bed, Dave and I enjoyed some lambic and fancy dessert.  It was a near perfect day and I feel very loved.  I wouldn't trade my little family for anything.