Mother's Day

Mothers day is fast approaching. Last year I was a nervous expectant mother counting days until we would be meeting Emily. I received many Mother's Day cards for the mom-to-be (those clever card companies!) and was so touched, and a tad bit overwhelmed at what path lay ahead.

Being a mom certainly encompasses so many things. It's a job that requires may talents. You have to be a giver, coach, doctor, teacher, chef, nutritionist, bartender, cleaning lady, repair lady, interior decorator, financial planner, psychic, referee, seamstress, musician, artist, gardener, chauffeur, camp counselor, nurse, research assistant, secretary, personal shopper, personal assistant, philanthropist, journalist. You have to be organized, thorough, responsible, vocal, determined. You have to be an advocate. You have to be the voice of your child when they can't be their own voice. You have to give and love unconditionally.

While you will not get a pay check for any of this, and much of your work may go unnoticed, you have the most important role ever as a mom. Your reward comes each time your child smiles at you, snuggles with you, cries to you, puts their arms around your neck, hold your hand, waives good bye, leans on you for support, calls you to chat, asks your advise, sends you a card, comes to visit, and thinks of you when you never even realize it.

Oh Moms, where would we be without you?

This year I'm excited to celebrate my first Mother's Day as a Mom. Two weekends ago we visited friends in their beautiful new home, and their almost 5-year old daughter had so many adorable and hilarious quips. And, many wise ones. She was oogling over Emily and while she was admiring her, she looked at me and said "You must be so proud to have such a cute baby!" Why, yes! yes I am! There are so many things to be proud of this year, this first Mother's Day. I'm proud of Emily's playful personality, her love of life, her love on snuggling, her beautiful features, every inch of her adorable, chubby body. I'm proud of her determination, hard work, perseverance, and enthusiasm. I'm proud at how far she has come this year. I'm proud of how relaxed and happy she is with such a busy medical and therapeutic life. I'm proud of her focus when she wants to do something, her vocalization and exploration of sounds. I'm proud of her smiles, her occasional shyness. I'm proud of everything single thing about her. But mostly I am proud that I was chosen to be her mom, and she was chosen to be my daughter.

This year I say thanks to Emily, for giving me a Mother's Day to celebrate.