"Some plants," said the teacher, "have the prefix 'dog.' For instance, there is the dog rose, the dogwood and the dog violet. Who can name another plant prefixed by 'dog'?" "I can," shouted a little boy in the back row. "Collieflower."
Life is funny. 18 months ago, a time right before I became a Mom, I might not have found that joke funny or cute. Or completely adorable (A word I use to describe things way too much these days.) Oh, how kids change you, how parenting changes you in a way you never imagined before it happened.
Being a Mom has changed so many things about me. I can barely handle photos of children hurt, sad or hungry (the worst). I want to reach out and help as many as I can. I have deeper feelings, stronger feelings about anything baby and toddler related. I see a tiny baby and I can't help the urge to look and ooo and aww. I'm pathetic, right?
But I think I have definitely grown as an individual. If only from the trials and tribulations of the first year; that are far from easy. Late nights, teething, gas bubbles, colds, first sitter, first daycare. Making the list is much easier than actually going through the events; each one making you a little bit stronger.
And yet, there are days I feel so weak, softer in a way. I just melt when she puts on her boots alone, says 'peas' (aka please) or blows kisses. Yes, Grammie, she's got it down. There are also times when I just freeze, unable to make another move because she's crying in my arms and doesn't want to say good bye. If I spent 40+ hours away from my momma when I was that little I'd cry too. That is exactly why in those moments I hold on two seconds longer.
I live for her now. I live for her happiness, health and well being. I can't help it. As I've said before when she took her first breath of air a light switch inside of me turned on. I'm all Mom all the time.
Becoming a parent flips your world on its back and alls you can do is roll over laughing. I laugh when she tries to jump, when she plays hide-and-seek and most of all when she laughs. It is what they call an "infectious laughter." Or maybe it's just that she is my daughter.
Keep Loving.
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