12 years of being a mother

Today I’m taking a break from design and diy to celebrate my boy, the kid that made me a mother.

I’ve been wanting to recreate this picture of him since I came across it while we were packing to move last summer.  His 12th birthday seemed like the perfect occasion.  I’m grateful he humored me as I’ll treasure this forever, and I just may force him to do this again on his 18th birthday.   I just can’t even.  Look at how little and sweet he was (I mean he’s still sweet and all, but you see what I’m saying)!  I feel like I blinked my eyes…..it’s like I’m Steve Martin in Father of the Bride and I’m like where did my baby go?  Dressing a baby boy was way more fun to me than dressing a girl.  I mean, just stop it with the polo and jean jacket and baseball cap.  I just can’t.  His little hands on the steering wheel……

I just can’t believe he’ll be turning 12 this weekend!  12!   Today I wish I had something big and profound to share about motherhood and what it feels like to be 2/3 of the way to the day he’ll leave home for college.  #gulp  But the reality is I’m still in the trenches, just trying to survive these in-be-“tween” years and praying I have the patience, wisdom and understanding to navigate the road that lies ahead.

Just for fun, here are a few of my random thoughts after 12 years of being a mother:

• The good health of your children is a blessing, not to ever be taken for granted.
• Just because you’re the momma doesn’t mean you’re always right.  You can teach lessons in humility and grace if you’re willing to apologize, yes, even to your kids.  Admitting when you’ve messed up doesn’t make you look weak; it makes you look human.
• A happy mom is the best kind of mom.
• “Mom” is only one of your hats, albeit an important one.  Neglecting your other hats has ill effects on your mom hat.
• Wine and homework are like peanut butter and jelly.
• Driving carpool is the best place to get the scoop on what’s really going on at school.
• It doesn’t get easier; it’s just a different kind of hard.
• Talking about the birds and the bees with your kids isn’t as hard as you might think.
• If/When lice happens……keep calm and wine on.
• The moments that end up mattering the most are the little, seemingly insignificant ones, so don’t bother stressing about creating magical memories.  Chances are they won’t remember what their birthday cake looked like or how you blew up a bagillion balloons for a birthday party game.  They won’t remember every family vacation, much to your wallet’s dismay, or all the cool stuff they got in their Christmas stocking.  What they will remember is how you made them feel special and loved every day.

Here’s to hoping the upcoming teen years are kind.

To my dearest sweet boy,

On the day you were born a prayer was answered.  I loved you before I knew you, before I first laid on eyes on you, when you were just a dream, a hope and a prayer.  Happiest of birthdays to you young man.  It’s an honor to be your mom!