The day I thought was so far away...

I know I have said this many times before but I can't help but repeat it---I love being a Mom! I loved my babies, their sweet dependence on me for everything, their cuddles and the way I was the center of their world! I loved being with them--I was one of those moms that never put my babies down, took them with me everywhere (we rarely had sitters when we weren't working, babies are just so easy to haul everywhere) and couldn't wait to get home from work to them. I loved my toddlers, their bright-eyed curiousity with the world. I loved getting down to their level and exploring everything with them. Okay, so maybe the bugs and other crawly things weren't so great, but they thought so. I loved my elementary kids, their love of learning and sharing. I loved sitting and listening to them as they learned to read, discovered the joy history and science. Math was not a favorite of mine but they all had the excitement when they finally GOT it! I love my teens and the different stages they are at right now. Syd as she finishes her last year of elementary school and prepares for junior high. Charlie as he prepares to begin his first year of high school and Cole as nears graduation and is applying at colleges, etc. I have wonderful, awesome kids--I not only love them, I like them as people. They are my favorite people in the whole world. Even with all the things I have done in my 41 years of life--those three people are my greatest accomplishments! So, that is why I have dreaded December 15, 2009 for the last 18 years.

My baby has become an adult! Cole is officially a man, a truly wonderful man, and I hope that my influence and teachings over the last 18 years have helped in some way to shape him into who he is today. I sometimes wonder who has learned and developed more---I am who I am today from our time and adventures together. I have mixed feelings as he moves in a new direction. I miss that he doesn't need me and possibly will be moving far away in the next 6-7 months but he is ready. He is a strong, capable and smart man and he will succeed!

No one can truly prepare you for parenthood! No book, no doctor or friendly (and no so friendly) advice can really prepare you for the realities of parenthood. The years (yes, new moms, years) of little sleep, the fears, the joys, the tears, the adventures, the illnesses, the homework, the broken arms, the elation, the frustration but most of all the incredible LOVE of being a parent. I wouldn't change a single moment of the last 18 years of motherhood and I am excited for the years to come as they bring new journeys in motherhood and grandmotherhood.