The Little Things in Life

location: The Arms of a Hug

mood: loved

music: The Rhythm of the Falling Rain

All is quiet except for the hum of the furnace, turned on to combat the chill of the rainy day...and Kaleigh, my youngest, hurting from the onset of a new baby tooth. I try to console her, and have given her baby tylenol...but the pain is still too much for her little mouth to bear. It's raining outside- I watch from my patio door as it comes down in a steady rhythm. I've set my marigolds my oldest gave me as part of her her preschool mother's day present out to drink in nature's goodness. Spring is finally upon us. 

My family has received a gift of new life...like caterpillers that have broke free from our imprisoning cocoon. We are finally out on our own again, out of my mother's house. 

So, tomarrow is Mother's day. What has it meant to be a mother, exactly? In the last four years I have:

Experienced pregancy four times. Experienced one miscarriage. Experienced the joy of feeling the first kick three times. I have been in serious labor a total of 36 hours, approximately. I have held three daughters for the first time three times. I have changed more diapers than I can count.

I have wiped snotty noses, administered feedings, given baths. I've had to get up numerous times in the middle of the night to answer a cry...and a few just to check on them "one more time."  

I've been to at least 24 well-baby checks to the doctor, not to mention the number of sick-baby visits. I've had to hold kids down for shots and tell them, "Shh..mommy's got you" to help them remain calm. I've had to give medicine and play airplane and tell them, "This will make you feel better."  I've had to be ushered out of the room once while doctors performed a spinal tap on my less than one week old child. 

I've had to deal with temper tantrums, sibling rivalry, and fights at bedtime. Some fights I have lost and gI have cleaned up more messes than you can imagine.

I've bandaged boo-boos, taken out splinters, and kissed them all with mommy's special healing touch. I've read thousands of stories, sometimes the same ones...and said bedtime prayers 1,410 times. 

I've heard first words, seen first steps. I've made formula, baby cereal, and baby food. I've been peed on ten times, and had, so far, one successful potty training. 

We've had three baptisms, two first day of Sunday schools, and a first day of preschool. 

We've played at playgrounds, had picnics, splashed at water parks...I've colored pictures, played games, and had tea parties. 

I've given kisses, hugs, eskimo kisses and butterfly kisses. I've said I Love You more times in one day than some may say in a whole lifetime. 

I've received kisses, hugs, eskimo kisses, and butterfly kisses. I've heard I Love You more than any one person deserves.

I wouldn't trade my job for the world.