O is for Opportunity

Today marks Squish's fourth birthday. Last night the whole family was sitting on the couch watching Bob the Builder and snuggling and I was thinking about where I was four years ago. Hugely pregnant, excited, nervous. I didn't have a clue what mothering would be like. I thought I did. I had read books! I had talked to other women! I was ready. Snort.

And then I thought of all that we've been able to experience in the last four years. The highs, the lows, the in-betweens. And the lessons I've learned about myself, about love, about the act of mothering (verb) versus being a mother (noun) and it's been a breathtaking journey. With tears in my eyes, I gave Squish a kiss on his curly little head and said "Thank you." The Hubs looked over at me and said, "What are you thanking him for?"

"The opportunities he's given this family to grow."

Happy Birthday Baby. You are one of a kind and I look forward to all the adventures the next year will bring.

oxox,
Mommy