Happy Mother's Day

As a teenager, I never pictured my life without kids. Because of the disorder I felt in my own home, I pictured order, peacefulness and perfection.  When I saw kids wailing at the grocery store or scurrying under the pews at church, I pictured my own kids holding the grocery list while helping me shop and sitting attentively at church with their cute little unstained dresses and clip on ties. 

If you're a mom I know you can relate because there is nothing more humbling than becoming a mother.  Who knew there would be so many different shapes and sizes and energy levels and volumes to these little people whose personalities showed up the day you brought them home from the hospital.  Andy was relaxed, but not a good eater and very sensitive to noises.  Jenna only let us hold her when she needed something, then she wiggled around until we put her down and she was happy to watch us from her own little perch.  Johnny was a Daddy's boy and wanted to be held and snuggled all the time until he was old enough to dribble a soccer ball.

Though they continue to have those same traits they keep surprising me as they grow out of the little boxes I keep fitting them into.  We sent Andy to Math and Science Academy only to find that he wants to go to a performing arts school.  We forced Jenna to go one year at Math and Science knowing she would opt out, but she has fallen in love with science and wants to stay there even though all of her friends are leaving.  And our sports nut, Johnny is a perfectionist on the A honor roll.  I didn't see that one coming.  

I can't imagine life without my kids.  I've learned so many lessons like patience, persistence, flexibility, living in the moment, laughing at myself, not looking back, priorities and how to be a better human being.  There's so much more to say, but I'll leave it for another post.  Happy Mother's Day!