It's an age old saying that I'm sure we have all heard time and time again, "once a mother, always a mother". This is a philosophy that has been impressed upon me while growing up - from my mother, my aunts, grandmothers, friends, etc. Even now I am often reminded of that. Although I have moved away and have a family of my own, to my mom I will always be her daughter, her little girl, and with that comes an immense amount of pride, an unconditional love that is unmatched, and I'm sure at times frustration and worry - surely the latter is just inevitable. Although I have always appreciated that saying, as I have seen it played out in my own life, I can say that I never fully understood it - until now. Friends who treaded the path of motherhood before me, told me that the amount of love I would have for our little one would surpass my expectations and that nothing could prepare me for what was to take place when I saw him and held him for the first time. I remember thinking, yeah they are probably right, but I had no idea. In a split second I suddenly realized what that age old saying meant and what people had been trying to tell me. Unconditional love, pride, pure joy, excitement, frustration at times, and of course a whole bunch of worry are all mixed into this thing called motherhood. And just as I can't imagine my life before Caleb, I can't imagine my life without him, and I'm pretty sure that even when he is 29 I will call him, text him, email him (I stop at the twittering phenomenon), to say that I love him, ask him some annoying mother questions and try not to let him catch on that I'm worried about him. Yep, pretty sure I'm going to be that mom, because after all "once a mother, always a mother". Yesterday in church our Pastor said that traditionally woman learned to be wives and mothers from their mothers - or mother figures - in their life, but that sadly we, as a culture, have gotten away from that. I sat there thinking how fortunate I was - and still am - to be surrounded by wonderful women who have taught me the meaning of love, family, and most importantly about being a mother. So, thank you to you all...
Now for the fun stuff....pictures! On Saturday the three of us went out for brunch. We figured that would be the smart option because, well, when you have a 3 month old you have to go by his schedule. And let's face it, he's good, but trying to deal with the crowds and lines that are synonymous with brunch places on Mother's Day would probably have been a bit much for even the worlds most perfect baby - and us. So, we opted for Saturday. Actually, it worked our pretty well for me since I then got to be celebrated twice! In any case, we found a wonderful little French Bistro, and it was amazing! I soon realized that if I ever went to France I would be in serious trouble....bread and cheese.....does it get any better? Anyways, I digress. Between the two of us we ordered 3 breakfasts, and finished every last bite. The only thing that was slightly more embarrassing was the fact that I then asked Neal if I could order another plate of pancakes and he (my bottem-less pit) looked at me like I was crazy. I think even he thought I was joking, but really I could have finished those off too. However, in an attempt to leave the restaurant with some self dignity intact, we paid the check and graciously exited - without another stack of pancakes - or flourless chocolate cake, but that is another discussion for a different time. Anyways, needless to say brunch was a success. On Sunday, Neal made me breakfast, and Caleb managed to buy me flowers, a Cala Lily plant, and a nice picture frame for my first mothers day. I'm pretty sure Sadie must have helped him with that endevour, but I didn't want to blow up his spot so I just played along. After breakfast we skipped off to church, where everyone just thinks Caleb is the cutest thing ever - of course. We did have plans to go off and have a picnic in the park, but alas we were tired, it was cloudy, and well naps won over the park, and I'm sure glad they did because these days nothing beats being home with my two favorite guys and dog....oh, and getting to take a nap is pretty great too:)
To all those moms, hope you had a mothers day where you were made to feel special, and even more so, I hope that you know how special you are every day! Your work often goes quietly unnoticed, but rest assured, you are appreciated every day!
Until next time
xoxo
