It's Mother's Day today. And it's my son's birthday. (We rock the dual holidays around here - next month, my birthday and Father's Day are on the same day). Last year, the night before Mother's Day, a little boy came into this world at 8:53 pm, weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces, and measuring 21.4" long. His skin was wrinkly, my hands were swollen, I was pumped full of Pitocin and exhausted after having been admitted over 48 hours before he arrived.
But, I was in love. I didn't know what I was getting into, but I knew that little boy that had just arrived had been growing inside me for 9 months. 9 surreal months of kicks, heartburn, exhaustion, a growing belly, 3D ultrasounds, and a rapid boy's heartbeat.
When I look back on the past year, some things surprise me. Others don't. Some things I expected to do, others had never even crossed my mind.
I'll confess I never expected to be peeling hot dogs so my 1 year old would eat them to get some protein in his diet. Nor did I expect to be so sad to be done breastfeeding when we finished this week. I was told the love for a child is indescribable and they were all right. I'd do anything, jump over any mountain, stand in front of any car. Anything.
So, with that, a few more things I did... or didn't... expect:
- The feel of two little arms around your neck, giving one more hug
- The belly laughs when he gets so tired, anything is funny
- The way he gets excited and crawls faster
- The love I feel watching a boy play with his daddy
- His fascination with water (especially the dog's water bowl!)
- How adorable he is with just his diaper (or nothing!) on
- How hard, yet rewarding, the act of breastfeeding is
- How fast and slow a whole year seems
- How his face lights up when he sees someone he recognizes
- How he stays just a little closer when we walk into somewhere unfamiliar
- How my heart still skips a beat every time I look at his newborn pictures
I could make an endless list, but I'll stop there for now. Motherhood has been more amazing and challenging than I ever imagined. I can't wait to see what another year brings!
