Birthday Mush

It's funny how one day you just become a mom. In an instant, you literally stop doing for you and start doing for your baby. There's no easing into it. No cushy transition. At the flip of a switch, you become this new person who cares more about this one little life than you ever could your own. So, "Goodbye," straight hair, skinny jeans and the gym. "Hello," ponytails, leggings and love handles. Day in and day out you do the things necessary to help your child grow, learn, laugh, play, eat and sleep well. And the only thank you is the reward of watching your baby thrive happily in your care. And it's enough, usually.

Yesterday was my birthday. We just moved so I don't have many friends where we live now. My husband made sure to make me feel special and took me to a delicious dinner. He also wrote me two beautiful cards. One was from him, and the other was from Kz. It said:

Dear Mommy,
Happy Birthday! I love you so much. Thank you for being such an amazing mommy and taking such good care of me. I know I can't say thank you yet for everything that you do for me like thinking of so many fun ways to play with me, making me laugh when we roll around together and scream, singing to me, taking me to so many fun classes, waking up in the middle of the night to make me feel better, giving me yummy milky treats and other new and delicious mushy foods... but you should know how much I appreciate and love you and want you to have such a fun birthday. I love you.

When I read it, I cried. Actually, I sobbed. I know that this card was from my husband and not from my son, but it felt like Kz really wrote it. It was as if he was really thanking me. And I didn't think I needed a thank you, but it felt so good. It was encouraging. It made me think, "Ok, I'm doing a good job. I can keep doing this."

I'm not sure if there's anything worth taking from this post. I just wanted to share this moment of gratitude, appreciation, and unconditional love with all of the moms (and dads) out there who do what they do all day, everyday without any special thank you's or cards. Happy Birthday. You are amazing.