Celebrating our first Mother's Day (:

This year I celebrate my first Mother's day. Being on the other side of this holiday is... weird. But it's a good weird. (:

I got 3 Mother's Day cards - from Rick, Peter Ambrose, and even Austin! I'm not sure how the last two learned how to operate writing utensils in time for the occasion, but it's all the same to me. :-)






Rick enlarged a photo of Peter Ambrose and I and put in a 11x17" frame. I love this picture of us; it's so special to me.




Now, I know you all come to this blog to see and hear the latest on Peter Ambrose, not me (really – neither of us blame you ☺) – but I thought I’d share some of my own personal thoughts on this journey called... you guess it, Motherhood!

What a wonderful, crazy ride this has been. Little Man is 8 weeks old, which has been ample time for me to experience all the joys of being spit-up on, pooped on, peed on, cried on, drooled on, and loved on. (Lots of ons.) Over the last 2 months, I’ve learned that many of the ways I was certain I would do things “when I’m a mother” have gone out the window. Until you actually experience it — the good, the bad and the sleepless nights — there is no way to understand what it truly takes to be a mom.

Now, I’m sure that as PA grows up I’ll establish some order in the house to guide him towards being a thoughtful human being. But for now, as long as he doesn’t eat the Austin’s food, get into my art supplies, or try to ride Austin like a "horsey," we’re good. Shoot, depending on the day I might even be lax about those rules. (Just joking, PETA.)

I've learned many things about what it means to be a Mom, and I've been surprised at what the most important lesson for me has been so far: TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. I once believed that taking time for myself was self-indulgent. (There are dishes to be done! Family to cook for! Errands to run! ... ad infinitum, ad nauseum.) But taking care of yourself is not selfish, rather a necessity of being a good mother. (Not to mention, friend, wife, employee, etc.)

I have my postpartum doula to thank for this lesson. Each day she saw me or spoke with me on the phone, she would tell me, "The best thing you can do for Peter Ambrose is take care of yourself." That's not easy for me to do, and every now and then, I talk myself out of it. But when I do it, I am, as it turns out, a better mom.

Peter Ambrose, I love you SO much! I am so proud to be your mommy, and pray that over the years I will earn the love and respect that anyone would be so lucky to have.