Being a mom

This post is being written for Trish, Nate and Gwyneth. I found Nate's blog about two months ago. He is the husband of a lovely young thing, Trish, and an even younger little babe Gwyneth. Trish is battling cystic fibrosis and was preparing for a double lung transplant prior to finding out they were preggers. Gwyneth was born just short of 25 weeks in early January. They are an extraordinary family - it has been fun reading their blog as both Trish and Gwyneth get stronger, readying themselves for their next big steps. Gwyneth is now just shy of 2lbs. as of a few days ago (Nate ... we need an update) and Trish is stepping every day closer to that lung transplant. I have grasped that Nate would love to bring his family home in April - that isn't that far away now!!!

So, one blogging momma challenged all of us other blogging mommas to post to our blogs all the wonderful, frustrating moments of being a mom. Here goes - and this is what happens in a short wintery weekend in a family with four little ones!

listening to your five year old discover new words as she reads her intro-readers, hearing her amazement as she conquers another word.

laughing at sibling comments like - "I now know what Deckles look like when he is running (away from us at IKEA) - a cat hairball." You mightn't always understand the rationale to their ideas but have to laugh at the creativity.

reading one of my childhood favourite novels - Misty of Chincoteague - to my oldest children. When I finish the last page of our designated chapter, to listen to my children breathing slowly (but maybe not so quietly), relaxed, happy, content kiddos.

laughing in utter disbelief as you redirect Seanie, again, away from the cat kibble bowl.

listening to Deckles thank me, with absolute sincerity, for changing his poppy diaper. The 'goodbye sweetie' comments as he leaves for school also have me laughing.

watching Andrew's intensity as he plays with my latest Thomas train set build. For the record, I am the BEST train builder he has ever met.

misjudging a not-so-stinky baby diaper as a courtesy change (we don't typically refer to diaps as poopy - but non-diaps as 'courtesy changes' - we don't view them as that), and having a cute little foot ankle deep in disgusting output.

watching Deckles eat cucumbers and dip - why does it have to be a total body affair.

hugging their little bodies goodnight and good morning each and every day.

getting your kiddos all reved up to go do something fun - like bathroom fixture shopping - it takes creativity. Also, coming up with new bribes to tame their disappointment when yet another boring outing is planned.

I can't imagine anything better than parenting. It is frustrating at times, but I am so blessed to have my life. I read Nate's blog each day - I can only hope that one day their life will be as boring and normal, and healthy as mine.

Happy reading.