Tuesday 19 May 2009

Let me count the ways

Inspired by a post on Her bad mother where mamas from all over the world share five things they love about being a parent, I tried to narrow down my list.

It was tough. But I came up with some of my current faves.

A few days ago I asked Deaglan for a hug and a kiss. He looked up from what he was doing, came running over, threw his arms around my neck and put his drool-drenched lips to mine. I would have a hard time trading that moment for a million bucks. (please note - this is a rare occurence, I usually have to beg, plead and then force affection out of him these days)

I had Deaglan when I was 36 - a bit late by most standards. For all those years my only priority was me. But when he was born, he bumped me out of first place. He took over my life, my consciousness, my heart and my soul. I don't miss being number one.

My friend Kirsten over at the Norwindians did a beautiful post a few days ago to celebrate her son's fourth birthday. She said something that I loved and completely related to: "I never imagined playing race cars could be so much fun." Like Kirsten, the enthusiasm with which I have learned about all things 'boy' has both surprised and delighted me.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the goodness parenting has brought to the relationship between Shaune and I. More complicated yes. More issues to argue about of course. But this new connection is organic, binding, and thoroughly fulfilling.

However, for me the biggest and best part of motherhood so far has been the emergence of my better self.

So without further ado and this big lump in my throat, please share with me the top five things you love about being a mom/parent.

12 comments:

  1. What a beautiful post. I had tears in my eyes as I remembered my three at that age. They are too busy to bestow Mamas with kisses and hugs. But, it it so, so wonderful and a blessing when they do give us their time to hug and kiss, drool and all! xo

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  2. What a lovely post. I had my daughter when I was 34, and I too and so happy to let her be number 1 now. So well put. I'd have to think to narrow it down to my top five, so I'll just say I agree with you - it's brought out the best in me, and really strengthened the relationship I have with my husband. We're more than just the two of us now, and I love it.

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  3. What a sweet post - and an adorable picture! :)
    Since I'm not a mommy, I can't share my top five favorite things, but I know one day I will be overcome with joy over even the smallest wonders. When I was younger, I swore I never wanted kids (perhaps because my mom had my brother when I was 13, so there was a baby in the house for most of my teen years) But the older I get, the more I realize how special being a parent must be.
    Maybe it's that "biological clock" ticking away, or maybe I'm finally understanding the joy that kids can bring to your life... but one day I hope to know those feelings myself. :)

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  5. Another beautiful post! You were destined to be a wonderful mom:) Your heart is so full of love for Deaglan. I think it's great how having a child adds another dimension to a couple's relationship. Here are my 5 things I love about being a mom:
    1) spontaneous hugs 2) happy faces when they accomplish something new 3) sense of wonder when seeing something for the first time 4) laughing at silly things 5) reading together

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  6. I will have to put together that list and link back to you!

    I LOVE the photo of his super cool table! He seems to really like it!

    And there is nothing like hugs and kisses from little ones!

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  7. I love it! You are able to distill lots of thoughts, feelings and amorphous concepts into a clear concise post that allows your readers to say "Yeah! What she said!"
    Lovely.

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  8. loved this post. being a mother is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. i love being a mom. My five are: 1. I love the way my baby looks at me with so much love like i am a superstar or something. 2. I love being the one they need.....like I can fix everything in the world to them!
    3. I love the hugs and kisses they give me, especially the ones I dont even ask for. 4. I love teaching them new things. 5. I love discovering their personalities and learning from them.

    Thanks for reminding me that I really do love being a mom!

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  9. Lovely! You are such a wonderful mom! Wish I could stay and have a cup of tea with you, and share more...but I'm on the run today...
    I'm really want to just add that
    I've nominated you for the Noblesse Oblige Award... visit my blog to pick it up! Congrats...you certainly fit the award's description! I'm proud to know you. ~Janine XO

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  10. Great post. I love:
    1) The fact that I am finally a Mom, it took Devin and I 6 years to have Noah.
    2) That I can see a bit of me being left in the world even after I am gone.
    3) I love seeing him grow and evolve. No day is the same as the one before.
    4) I love taking care of him. I am a nurturer by nature.
    5) I love that my man and I came together and made him..miraculous!!!

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  11. That's a beautiful post!! and a child running towards you for a hug and a kiss can't be beat :-)
    1. a real belly laugh from one of my children. 2. The smell of my toddler's neck 3. When one wants to sit and read with me over everything else 4. One of my kids NEVER fails to give me a hug before leaving my side-- despite his friends being close by, 5. hearing them pray for their dad and big brother who are away.
    Thank you-- I needed to think about these things. I'm going to go wake them up and cuddle with them now.

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  12. Now you can share your 5 least favourite things...I have awarded you with an award on my blog!

    www.thewritinginstinct.blogspot.com

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