Mother's Day

When I think about Mother's Day and what being a mom really means to me. I think first about my mom and all the mother like influences in my life that really have shaped me into the mom that I am today.

My sisters are ten and six years older than me and although I was a brat to them most of my early life. They have always been more than motherly to me. They were the people I called when I was too scared to call our own parents. They were the people I told first when I found out I was expecting (sorry babe!) They are the mom's I look to when I am uncertain and the mom's I feel so fortunate to grow up alongside. I seriously could not imagine life without my sisters.

Then there is my mama. I have her eyes and if I am half as good hearted as she - well I would be a pretty great kid. I give her more sass than she deserves and I am definitely the child with the most attitude. But my mom is easily my biggest cheerleader. She shares my hard work, compliments me on my writing and just loves me despite all my flaws. I wish I could travel back in time to see a younger her, rocking a younger me. Because when I hold my daughter and think "I love her so much I could die" I know that is exactly how my mom thinks of me. My mom is always there for me no matter what.

And beyond my own bloodlines I have a mother in law that makes most of my friends envious. She is fun, always up for an adventure and never takes anything too seriously.  She also supports me and loves me like I am one of her own. David is incredibly thoughtful and caring and I know that is because of how he was raised. He never fails to make me feel special on any given day.

I would be amiss to leave out all the mother's I have by my side as we all navigate new parenthood. My friends who I late night text, the ones we help tug through those new days. The friends that are family we get to choose. All the mother's I have met here because of this blog. The mother's who wish for nothing more than a miracle baby, or the mother's who call their four legged companions children. Every single interaction I have with these people is a direct correlation of the way I mother my own child.

These people make me better, make me realize there are multiple ways to do something, and I am so grateful for each and every one.

Happy Mother's Day.