Moms

I never knew how important the title Mom was until I became a mom 9 years ago. Of course, I had a mom and loved her but never fully appreciated the full meaning of a Mom's job, a Mom's love and a Mom's place in our lives until I had the joy of being a mom myself.
I love being a Mom. It's the best, most rewarding and yet most difficult job I've ever had. I got married the day after I turned 19 and had decided that I wasn't ready to be a mom and didn't know that I ever would be ready. My husband and I decided that having children would be something we both wanted to do and there would never be pressure on the other person if they didn't want kids. We also decided that if we both came the point of wanting to have kids, we would be financially stable so that I could stay at home with our children. So we got busy living our lives, working through a new marriage and new life together. And time passed, time went on and on and we weren't ready for kids. But finally as I approached 30 years old I realized that I was ready to have kids. My husband was too. Thus began our life changes, big changes. I was over 30 when my first daughter was born. Sometimes I wish I would have started sooner in my life but I feel that patience level and ability to be a better mom wouldn't exist if I'd of had kids when I was younger. Two years later, my second daughter was born. It was very difficult at first to be a new mom. Sleepless nights, early morning feedings, poopy diaper after poopy diaper and simply not being able to come and go as I pleased were definitely adjustments that I had to make and sometimes they were difficult adjustments. And then having a 2 year old and newborn proved challenging also. But every challenged that came also brought a new phase in the life of one of my girls. That first word, first tooth, first time taking a step, a smile or laugh....so many "firsts", so much joy.
Yes, being a parent presents challenges. Even now that my kids are 7 and 9 years old, there are problems and challenges and new adventures. But, those hugs, the "I love yous", being told you're the best and sharing special events and moments with my kids makes every challenge and every difficult day well worth it.
So to my own Mom....I love you very much. I treasure every day that I have with you. I value our phone conversations, the support you give me daily and just having loving parents in my life. I also understand you better now because I have my own children. I hope to share many more moments with you.
And to my kids.....I love you both! You've taught me unconditional love, you've helped me grow as a person, my patience has grown because of you two and I feel that I'm a kinder, gentler person because of you. Girls, because of you, I've experienced joy in my life like never before. I've also come to know heartache like never before. But the joy and love I've received as well as given is something I feel privileged to have experienced. I will love you both forever.
My 7 year old has started this saying with her sister, her grandparents and me:
"I love you to infinity and beyond. Haha...I WIN"!!
She always tries to be the first to say it when she's leaving my parents' house, going somewhere without me or at night as we go to bed. And you know she means it! And guess what? SO DO I! So this time Ms. M and Ms. T, I WIN....I LOVE YOU TO INFINITY AND BEYOND.