Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms, Grandmas, Great-Grandmas and even Aunts (who often have to act as mom's at some point in their niece/nephew's life).

Being a Mom is many things. It is filled with the unknown and is often very frustrating. I find myself not always having the answers and my kids haven't even started asking "why" yet :) It is tiring (physically and mentally) and often times stressful because quite often you don't understand what it is that they really need or aren't sure how to communicate to them in a way they will understand. Patience can be strained, discipline is tough and often I wonder - am I really doing the right thing? Sometimes you feel like you give and give and give and get nothing in return.

Sometimes....BUT...being a Mom is also the most rewarding "job" I could ever have. All I need is that smile Alayna gives me while I am changing her diaper - to make me want to change her over and over and over. Or Grant to sign and say "more" with his cute little grin after going down a slide at the park - to make me want to take them to the park day after day after day. Hearing them say "ba" while holding a sheep in their hand for the first time - after you have been going over and over and over it with them for two weeks. (Crazy how excited this makes you feel - huh?) Walking in each of their rooms before going to bed at night and watching them sleep - they look like little angels - it makes me want to get up and do it all over again the next day! It's these little moments that make all the "challenges" seem worth it!

My first Mother's Day was an extremely hard day for me. A Mommy left here with empty arms, while my baby was in Heaven. I would have never guessed that just two years later I would be blessed with two more beautiful babies that are happy and healthy and filling my life with such love here on earth. I am extremely blessed by these kids day after day and can't imagine life without our family.

Today is my last day of maternity leave. I will return to work tomorrow - however just for a short time. While I was on maternity leave, I accepted a voluntary layoff option from my company. I am returning tomorrow for two weeks to train my replacement and then will be accepting a promotion to full-time MOM. This is a position I have dreamed about since I was a very little girl. I am so looking forward to spending more time at home with our kids and watching them grow in this ever so exciting time in their lives. I know there will be times when I will wonder "am I really doing the right thing", will say "how many times do I have to tell you..." or will simply crave an adult conversation. At the same time - this time just goes so fast it is unbelievable - and I don't want to miss it!

"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things." R. Brault

Happy Mother's Day!