First Mother's Day

I feel pretty honored that I get my own special day... complete with special gifts (Thank you, hubby), a delicious breakfast and what feels like extra-special cuddling from my little nine-month-old man.

I never thought too much about Mother's Day before, to be honest. My mom passed away when I was a little girl, and so the holiday was just another sad reminder of her absence. But now it's turning into a special day filled with happy thoughts for me.

Being a mother is by no means an easy task (nor is being a father), but despite the late nights, early mornings, the snot, the diapers, the screams and the juggling act that is parenthood, it's the job I'm most proud of and the one I feel I was born to do.

Because for every exploding diaper or thumb-sucking, mumbled temper tantrum protesting naptime, there are the quiet moments of a sleeping boy on your chest and the toothless smiles that greet you when you've been away. I live for those moments.

And my best Mother's Day present came just a few days ago, when I finally got to hear Zack say "Ma Ma" to me for the first time. It was the most beautiful sound I've ever heard.

(And the second, third, fourth and fifth times aren't so bad either...!)

Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms, pseudo-moms, moms-to-be and mother figures out there. I can't imagine my life without all of you.