Mother's Day Reflections

Yesterday was (technically) my 3rd Mother's Day as a mama, but in actuality, it was our 2nd mother's day celebration. My first Mother's Day was nothing to write home about. It was the day Daniel's father decided to 'officially' start his new life outside of ours. Needless to say, at 5 weeks postpardom being suddenly thrust into MY new life as a single mom didn't seem to be cause for a celebration. I can't remember exactly what we (meaning my infant son and I) did - I know there was a lot of napping, and some Little House on the Prairie reruns. I can't recall the exact emotions of that first Mother's Day (thank GOD!)- but I remember thinking how this holiday would forever be ruined for me. I'm glad to say, I was wrong.

Sometime during the winter following that, I decided I wasn't going to have my holiday ruined. Along with some help from my dearest friends, a decision was made to make new and happy memories. I was barely scraping by financially, trying to deal with the increased cost of living and a one income budget, but I saved up for months to have a Mother's Day (and his 1 year portraits) professionally done. Jenny and her mom officially adopted me for Mother's day and we had a great lunch together, with words of encouragement from Jenny's mom, Kathy. The weather was beautiful, and after lunch, Daniel and I went outside, played trucks in the grass, and took dozens of photos. It was an awesome day, and the professional photos the following week were icing on the cake.

As Mother's Day rolled around again this year, I looked forward to it, knowing that after a long week, with many commitments, I would have my baby bear all to myself. This year for Mother's Day, I requested my cousin Dave to come over and attack my "Honey-Do List". I actually call it the "the shit that will not get done until I borrow somebodies man" list, but you get the idea...install curtain rods, hang bookshelves, put together toys from Christmas (yikes!), dismantle changing table...It was awesome! I can see the floor in my sons closet again, and thanks to the darkening shades, my mornings are no longer starting with the 545 sunrise. My evening was complete when Jenny and Joey continued the tradition of making happy memories with me. At my request, we dined on Pei Wei (take out...eating in really isn't that fun with a 2 year old!) and I got the most darling cards from my son, complete with red crayon inscriptions. I also took a nap, with no feelings of guilt, just entitlement! I have yet to book this year's photos, but I'm looking forward to it!

As I write this, I have such vivid and beautiful memories of the past 2 years - I remember the outfits we wore to lunch last year, and the roses from the waitstaff at the restaurant. I remember the cold rain during our photo shoot last year, and the sound of his laughter when he walked barefoot through the wet mud. I will always remember this year's card with the puppy, and strawberry jelly fingerprints. Just as important as these happy memories is how quickly and completely the ones from '08 have faded into nothingness. So here's to our '2nd annual mother's day CELEBRATION' - cheers!