I think that moms have to be "on" all the time. Let me explain, I dont think that moms take a break, I mean sure we take breaks, but I dont think you can ever turn off the mom part of your brain or your personality. And most of us can't turn off that innate need our kids have for a hug, a cuddle, someone to wipe their nose, listen to their stories, or make them a PB&J just cause. Kids, especially tiny ones, dont understand that mommy is sick, having a bad day, is bleeding profusely cause the knife slipped while making dinner, or that today is wednesday and things arent going well (none of those things happened to me today, just an FYI), what they get is that you are mommy and that you know how to fix a myriad of woes.
I was thinking about this as I stumbled into Michael's room last night (ok maybe after I had been in there for a bit), at a job at some point you go home and worry about things in the morning, there is a part of your life that is separate from work, but as a mom...not so much. Moms dont take sick days, they dont call back later (when you are tiny at least), they dont leave you hanging when you need a ride/dinner/clean laundry. Moms show up, bring snack, and yes if you dig deep enough in their purse you will find gum. Moms are happy, moms are patient, moms dont mind you waking them up at 3am because you had a bad dream. Moms understand that the boogie man might get you if the light isnt left on, they pull you out of the car when you get in an accident with your cozy coupe, they make sure there is always plenty of milk in the fridge, and they come prepared with sippy cups, bibs, and wipes. Dont get me wrong being a mom is the best thing I have ever done but sometimes I think, "wow, 2 years ago I would have NEVER had the patience to help someone at 2 in the morning", that just wasnt my personality, I was off the clock and 2am and that was ok. I also wasnt a drop what I was doing to sing a song sort of person either, but now, well now I'm a regular Mary Poppins.
On days when I think, today isnt my day, or are you kidding me with the coughing, sneezing, or throwing up, I also think- "Buck up, you didnt realize moms got colds until you were a teenager, be happy, energetic, and with it for Michael." And that's enough, that is enough to help me pull it together, smile even though I am going to have to repaint because dinner was that much of a mess, or just laugh when I find Michael playing in the toilet (no really), that is enough to help me breathe through the naptime screaming, or the crawling out of the cart at the grocery store. That's enough because my son is awesome, and though some days I dont say it enough, I do love being his mom.
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