A year later

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!