Heartfelt Sentiments on the Best Parts of Being a Mom

I love being a mom. Additionally, I really love being a grandma. Here are some of the best reflections on what the best parts of being a mom are.

I am a boy mom. I had no idea what I was in for when my sons were born. I’d grown up the oldest of four girls so I was traveling a whole different path when I became a mom. (And kudos to my mom surviving raising four girls!) I knew I loved my kids before they were born. The wonder, elation and pure connection to a human life that is growing into your baby during pregnancy is indescribable. Feeling my boys’ hiccups, stretches, kicks, and somersaults is a miracle that brought awe every time I experienced it.

When the time came for me to meet each of my little men, ecstatic didn’t even touch how excited I was. It seems like yesterday that I held each of them for the first time. In all honesty, it seems like I blinked and now they are all grown up. We still make memories together, and now I have grandchildren to love and spoil. For this Mother’s Day, let me share some of the best things about being a mom.

Cuddles and slobbery kisses

Nothing is better than a chubby little boy (or girl), with sticky chocolate covered fingers, crawling up on his momma’s lap for cuddles. I take that back, the slobbery wet kisses probably rank pretty high too. The age when kids still want to cuddle and be held close was my favorite. The unconditional love, the innocent wide eyed looks and lopsided grins as they make themselves comfortable on your lap cannot be matched. My heart exploded every single time I encountered those sweet tender moments. In addition, watching them discover something new, and run to me wanting to share their wonder with me. In the same way, now I get to relive those special moments with my grandbabies.

Giggles and silliness

Creating memories with my boys was a priority. I put off doing laundry, dishes, dusting and vacuuming to spend special moments with my boys. I have so many great memories with them, but the activities that stand out to me were full of laughter and just being goofy. One Christmas tradition was sitting down almost nightly to read the book Jolly Old Santa Claus. The pictures on each page had elves doing different activities and I’d talk like them, making silly noises and voices. Every time we read that book, I couldn’t get away without performing each elf in every picture throughout the book. Now the book belongs to my oldest son to share with his boys.

When they were teens, we went to Disney World for the 3rd time in their lives. On rides that would snap a picture of you, we’d face the camera and make the silliest goofiest poses we could. On a ride called Test Track, it looked like Josh was driving with an evil grin on his face while the rest of us had the most exaggerated panicked look on ours. Even the staff was entertained and laughing!

Having fun and enjoying the little things

As my boys grew up, things changed from snuggles and kisses to making the most out of the time we had together. My oldest son, Jake, grew into a very tall muscular young man in high school. He would sneak up behind me and put me in a headlock because he knew I couldn’t get out of it. So I’d pull his leg hair. We’d laugh and roughhouse. Being my soft-hearted kid, he always looked for me at his basketball games. Even his senior year of high school, I’d catch him looking in the stands and when he’d catch sight of me, I’d wave and a grin would appear on his face.

My youngest son, Josh, and I spent time gardening together and playing video games. Correction, he would laugh at me hysterically and I attempted to play video games. He taught me to play chess, and take silly pictures on Snapchat but our favorite time was chasing each other around the house with Nerf guns. My neighbors probably thought we were nuts with all the yelling, laughing and screaming we had going on.

Watching them Grow

From the first smile, to the first wobbly steps, to their first words, you don’t realize just how fast kids grow up. My baby boys are now in their mid to late twenties. When did that happen?! I relish every second watching them make their way through life. I cherish every accomplishment, no matter how small. Jake getting chosen for the Goods Sportsmanship award in 3rd grade basketball, Josh receiving a perfect attendance award in 2nd grade getting a season pass for the public pool that summer. I remember proms, games, holidays. Not only good but also times that they still needed Mom, even though they were young men. I am a very proud Mom; bet you couldn’t tell.

Thank you to all Moms, Grandmas and women who make a difference in a child’s life

Happy Mother’s Day to my Momma, who has been my rock and role model. To my daughter-in-law for bringing my grandsons into this world and being a great mommy to them. Also, to my bonus daughters who have given me more grandbabies to love. Not forgetting to include all the women out there who have been a source of strength, love and security for their families, or any child that needs a mother figure in their life, thank you. Without delay, don’t forget to call your mom!