Motherhood

In celebration of Mother's Day tomorrow, I figured I would write a little bit about motherhood.

The mothers in my life told me that loving your babies is like no other love out there. It is so true. Motherhood has given me a sort of patience I did not know existed. That little tiny being is just everything to me. Her smiles make my day. Her tears break my heart. And every little milestone makes me so proud. I have only been a mommy for less than 4 months, but I can't even imagine my life before Josi. I tell her all the time that she makes her mommy's heart go pitter patter and it is so true. She's the light of my life.

Motherhood so far for me has been defined as discovery. I have discovered things about myself. I have discovered that life isn't about me, it is about that little girl. I have discovered that it is possible to survive and be a functional adult on two hours of sleep for two weeks straight. I have discovered that I am one hell of a strong woman. I don't want to brag on myself, but I'm proud that I made it through the past few weeks. Joe was gone and Josi was really not feeling well (she's doing great now btw). I somehow made it through and came out more confident as a mother on the other end.

I do not plan to use this blog as a soapbox for my politics, but I must say this. Rep. Sally Kern stated on the Oklahoma House of Representatives floor a two weeks ago that: "women don't want to work as hard as men." I have this statement for her (and believe me if you are my friend on Facebook...I'm sure you saw my rants): WOMEN WORK TEN TIMES HARDER THAN MEN. Women not only are many times forced to be the sole caretaker of the children, they are also forced to be the sole provider many times. Regardless if we are the sole caretaker, mothers spend every waking second worrying about their children's well-being PLUS having to work. It can be exhausting being a mother and woman, but we do it because we love our children.

So all of that being said, I want to wish all of the mothers out there a VERY happy Mother's Day. I blame any ounce of motherly success on the mothers that I have learned from. Thank you to my amazing mother. I have so many wonderful memories growing up. She was blessed enough to be able to stay home with me. I was the only child for seven years. I treasure the many moments shopping, watching Sesame Street, eating my favorite snacks with her, going to the grocery store, our wonderful conversations. Now I treasure her much more now that I am a mother. She is my number one person to go to for advice on parenting. She is such a strong woman. She basically raised us kids alone, while going back to school, and has done her very best to provide for us. She does not think it, but I think she is the best mother ever. Not only is she a great mother, she is my best friend. I love you Mommy!!

I have also been blessed with two amazing grandmothers. My Bobba is one of the most important people in my life. She has the kindest heart and has been through the ringer herself. I have so many happy memories of spending the night at her house and talking so much about whatever. Every once in a while we still escape off together and have such a great time together. My Granny raised my two uncles and dad alone after my grandfather (I never met him) died. She always does everything she can to keep our family together. I remember spending the night at her house and playing board games until we were just exhausted. I remember her telling my stories until the wee hours of the night in bed. I remember going to work out with her and her old lady friends and I cherish the memories of our vacations we would go on.

In the last four years, I have been blessed to get another mother in my life, Kathy, my mother in law. Most women seem to not like their mother-in-law, but I think I'm blessed. She is such a selfless person and has really taught me what it is to love your children. She would do anything for Katie and Joe and now me and Kevin. I love her quirks and I feel like she is also one of my best friends. I love confiding in her and our long conversations about family, friends, cooking, bows, whatever. I am so happy that she is in my life. I know Josi is so blessed to have her as a Nana.

I would also like to say thank you to the other "mothers" in my life. You all should be commended for doing the selfless, thankless job of mothering. Thank you to Sara Jane, Cindy, Megan, Katie, Jenna, LeAnn, Kalea, Ashley, Jessica, and every mother of every shape, size, color, and creed. Thank you for loving your babies.

Be sure to thank your mommies tomorrow.