What do I love about being a mom?

Posted by Patricia on May 12, 2013 in Personal | 15 comments

Children are the thing that puts life into proper perspective. They remind us what life is about – giving, loving, sharing and caring for each other. Unfortunately, today’s society often emphasizes the sacrifices of being a mom far more than rewards.

Recently I’ve heard and read many negative things, about how hard it is to be a parent, how having kids can ruin you personal life, your own beauty, and how expensive it is to raise children. My opinion is a bit different, so I decided to share what I love about being a mom.

And believe me – I love it! So much so that I don’t know where to start…

Perhaps I should start from the beginning, when my kids were small. Hugs and kisses, funny giggles, the smell of a in my bed, breastfeeding, full cheeks and little stinky feet, toothless smiles… I was overflowing with the freedom and joy they brought to our family! I could act like a child, fly a kite, jump around, laugh out loud and make crazy things with them. I could bake tons of cookies, create a huge mess in the house and paint like Picasso… just to enjoy my time with them.

When I was pregnant with my first son, I didn’t know if I’d be a good mom. I didn’t know what to expect. I’d read books, so I had some ideas, but no experience. What if I don’t feel anything when I see my baby? How do I know how to react? Is it natural that you just know? What if not?

After a tough 14-hour labor, I delivered a beautiful baby boy – my first son. I remember that day as clearly as yesterday. They put him on my belly, and he was so calm – didn’t make a sound. I wrapped my arms around him and looked at him… and suddenly – everything started to fall into place. No words can describe the joy that a little one can bring to your life!

The big moments – first breastfeeding, sleepless night in the hospital room, where I looked at him and he was looking at me… Something incredible happened. I was a mom! I started to learn how to love in a totally different way.

It wasn’t easy – especially in the beginning when everyone was telling me what I was doing wrong, but with time I’ve learned to trust my instincts more that other people’s advice and found my way through the maze of parenting.

I’ve discovered emotions within me that I didn’t know existed. I’ve found feelings I never knew I could have – I was heading into the most intense, frustrating, yet satisfying and wonderful, adventure I could ever imagine.

At first I thought I could create the ‘perfect child”. I just forgot that they have a mind of their own and a personality that begins at birth (or even before). Now I wouldn’t trade them for a million dollars.

I am delighted to watch them grow and excel at something they love. Seeing some of the best of me in them is really amazing. I am able to observe my 3 little boys as they change into wonderful, stubborn, opinionated, loving, honorable young men! They are growing up to be good people, and I am a big part of that process. What a gift!

Our 3 sons have taught me more about love and life that anyone or anything else. I laugh and cry more because of them. Life with them is challenging and exhausting – but never boring. As someone once said: “It’s the toughest job you’ll ever love” – I couldn’t agree more.