Happy Mama's Day 2010

As I am writing to wish every Mama out there a "Happy Mothers Day", I finally realize what it really means to be a mother. I have celebrated many, many Mothers Days with my own mom, and last year anticipated the birth of my son. But this year was completely different. I realized that Mother's Day is not just an appreciation of the obvious  - taking care of a baby, the feeding, the bathing, etc. The household chores and child raising are what you do when you become a mother, not what makes you a mother. What makes you a mother is your want and desire to bring another life into this world, to nurture and love it. What makes you a mother is your realization in yourself that you CAN do all these things. As women, our bodies are so incredibly amazing that we can create, grow and birth our babies. We can nourish, hold, comfort and love them. What makes you a mother is that you do it all and don't even think twice about it - you just do it because you love your little one so much. You baby is part of you. Mothers Day is not an appreciation day of doing motherly things - its a celebration day of being a mother, a woman.

A few times, after a long, trying day of chasing after a curious little baby, I wish for a nanny to help out so I can have a break. But eventually, my little man calms down, crawls up on my lap and nurses to sleep. As his eyes start to close, I stroke his hair and take back my wish. I don't want a nanny. I want to do all these things - all by myself! I am everything to this baby. I am all he knows and to not be there for him and take care of him is like taking away part of his world.

So, on this Mothers Day - my first - I just spend a quiet, relaxing day with my boy, reflecting on his presence in my life. In the past year, everything has changed - but for the better! Nolan has taught me to slow down and relax, to enjoy every single second of being a mom. Because it is not always about the cooking, cleaning, bathing and feeding. Yes, I know my husband does appreciate all that! But to me, being a mom is taking in every second of my child's life and enjoying it. Watching him grow and explore and figure out the world. He is able to do all these things because of me. Because of the love, confidence and support I show him - at any age.

So, to every Mama I know, I hope you enjoy your day and realize the amazing women you are as a mother.