MOTHERS DAY

Day 3.
While in California I celebrated my seventh official Mother's Day. In honor of the big day, here are seven things I LOVE about being a mother.
1. When my children call for me. When we were struggling with infertility, I ached to hear someone call me mama. Each of my children has their own unique way to address me or call for me. When Cameron was a brand new baby, his cry went just like this "MAAAAAAAAAM! MAAAAAAAM!" Now he just says "MOM!" Ewan will often say (in a pathetically sweet voice) "Mommy, I want you." When we were at my mom and dad's, no matter where I went in the house, I could often here Heather calling "Mooommmy! Where are you?" It is a privilege to be called mother.

2. Smoochies. In all varieties. You know when they are infants and they do that slobbery open mouth kiss? Love it. Ewan likes to give me a rapid succession of pucker lipped kisses. Cameron likes to blow me a kiss from the top bunk at bed time. Heather's smoochies are always accompanied by the sound "Mmmwa!" Not all families are kissing families, but I am definitely a smoochy kind of mom and I want all I can get before they are too big to want to give them to me.
3. Discovering who they are. Anyone who really knows me, knows I LOVE to analyze people/situations. When I was acting a lot, it was my favorite part...analyzing my character. Discovering my children's needs, challenges, loves, and unique personalities is fascinating for me. I love them each so much and knowing them as the individuals that they are gives me great joy.

4.Being my own boss. There is not an OUNCE of me that would rather be getting up every morning, dropping them off somewhere, and punching in to a time clock to work for someone else. I love being in charge. I plan the day. I set the schedule. I make the goals. I stay in my pajamas all day if I need to. Motherhood is a dream for control freaks like me :) Seriously. I set the tone for our home, and it is a responsibility I take very seriously. I love my job.
5. Dressing my kids in matching clothes. I like to think of it as my little "sickness." I just love to see them all in coordinating outfits, or color coordinated shirts...It relaxes me. I know it's neurotic, but it's me! Sometimes even on days when we don't leave the house, the kids will be all matchy-matchy. My friends and family love to tease me. My friend Heather has even called when she was planning on going out with us somewhere to see what color we are wearing so she can match! So funny. (Did you notice in the pictures above that Heather and I had matching outfits for Mother's Day this year?)

6. Starting over. When Cameron was born I thought my heart would literally explode I loved him so much. I didn't know that depth of love could begin in a single moment. I was surprised to feel that same sweet feeling in the hospital when I delivered our little Connor when I was only 17 weeks pregnant. Of course Ewan stole my heart in the same way. Heather came along, and of course so did the love. This new baby was not planned, but oh, how exciting it is to be starting over again! Putting up the crib...washing tiny little socks...those itty bitty new born diapers...I just can't wait! I am so thankful that God had a different plan for us than we had for ourselves.

7. Evan is the Father. How could I have known six years ago when they put that tiny baby in his arms and he looked like he was going to pass out, what a father he would turn out to be. He has grown more confident with each addition to our family and the same gentle kindness that made me fall in love with him makes for such a great Daddy. I have heard that so many father's of kids with Autism just shut down and never do accept or deal with the news. Evan has read everything he can get his hands on. He wants to know every detail of Cameron's therapy sessions. He is so aware of the kids needs and will often notice that one of them needs some extra attention and take them on an outing just the two of them. He has sacrificed so much to make it through school to provide for us and allow me to stay at home and be the mom I want to be. I am so grateful to be the mom, with him as the dad.