Growth as a mom

The little love stayed up until 1am.  At just 2 months old she has it figured out, that evenings are for her.  She doesn't have to compete for attention.  Once she did settle down, she was up to nurse every 1-2 hours - just a growth spurt, I hope.

The middle little woke at 6am, a crying, screaming, slobbery, snotty, mess.  He continued on like this for the remainder of the day - just teething, I hope.

The oldest is exceptionally needy and isn't listening very well - just exhaustion, I hope.

and I am the adult.

So I get to keep it all together.  I get to speak love and show kindness even when my oldest refuses to pick up the Play-Doh strewn all over the kitchen floor, demanding that he is just "way, way, way too hungry to pick up."  I get to convince him that picking up his Play-Doh mess is better than going in the corner and then picking up the Play-Doh mess, all while trying to make lunch as quickly as possible in order to tend to the simultaneous cries of my babies.

He makes a bummer of a decision, and so the microwave timer gets set for 4 minutes - make that 5 minutes for yelling "you should be the one going in the corner for being bossy mom"

So I get to speak love and show kindness, despite his reactions.  I get to be his mom, and I get to show him right from wrong.  I don't want to teach him wrong.

The timer beeps -

Why did you go in the corner Ryker?

For not picking up my Play-doh and being all fussy.  I'm sorry, really sorry.

We hug, I tell him I love him so very much, and he picks up his Play-Doh, this time without complaining.  

His face says he is sorry.  He then covers his ears, proclaims "there is just way too much fussiness going on!"

I smile, in agreement, but thankful that I get to experience this "way too much fussiness."

I love my kids, I love the sunshine and rainbow filled days, but I also love these challenging days.  I love that I get to be the one to help shape, form, mold them into little people.

As much as I wanted to just join in on the fuss-fest, I get to be the adult, the example of what I want them to be.

Lunch time ended, nap time and quiet time begins.

He slips down from the table, flashes a dimple smile at me, says I love you so much mom, have a nice time with Jovie while I do quiet time.

and that is all the reassurance that I need.  I get to be a mom, their mom.  It is a role I've always wanted, and I am so thankful I get to do this.

I was reflecting about this during my walk with Jovie tonight.  I was thinking about all the things that my friends are requesting for Mother's day - and while I am so happy for them that they are in a situation that they can ask and receive these sort of gifts, it really puts things into perspective for me.

I know we have way too much going on in our life right now for some extravagant Mother's Day gift, but I also know that what I have already is so much more than enough.

No diamond earrings, or dozen roses, or gourmet chocolates can ever compare to the gift my husband has already given me and continues to bless me with daily - our 3 children.  I am so, SO blessed to have them.  To get to be a mom.  Wearing my sweet Jovie in the sling sure beats wearing some fancy, expensive jewelry.  I'll take them over materialistic goods, ALWAYS.