Mother's Day

My dear husband took me out to dinner for Mother's Day. While we were attending to a toddler who kept throwing the crayons, his milk, and basically anything he could find on the table Greg asked me a few "mom" questions. (Incidentally, he wasn't feeling well. Typically the throwing isn't so bad until the meal is over.)

Greg: What has been most surprising to you about being a mom?

Me: The first year of Matthew's life. I really had no idea I would want to nest at home with him as much as I did. I felt so very attached to him. I wasn't expecting that strong of a bond so early on. It was both an incredible feeling but also very foreign to me since I didn't feel so much my usual independent self. 

Greg: What do you enjoy most about being a mom?

Me: That I am Matthew's chief nurturer. He goes to his "Da" when he's having fun but he comes to me when he's sad, hurting or not feeling well. I love comforting and cuddling with him. I love that he gives me kisses when I ask and even sometimes spontaneously too. I love that I am the only person in the world who has the role as his mom. 

Greg: What is the hardest part about being a mom?

Me: Knowing how to teach and discipline my child. I am not the type of person who ever wanted to work with kids as a career. I briefly considered being a teacher, and I emphasize briefly, but that was it. Now, in addition to being his mom, I am a teacher to him. That's hard for me. I keep thinking he'll pick things up by osmosis but I need to be intentional with him too. Also, discipline. It's difficult to discern where the boundaries are with discipline. Is it something that I need to consistently address or do I let it go? I am a fairly persistent person which has been useful as a parent. I've learned that if I continue to draw the line in the same spot he'll eventually obey me but if I waver, even a little bit, it's all up for grabs.

Thanks for a great Mother's Day Greg! Thank you for pursuing conversation despite the distractions during the meal. May we never be the couple out to dinner that eats in silence...like there's even a chance of that for the next several years!