MOMMIEKNOWSFRESH:IF I COULD KEEP YOU LITTLE

One of my favorite bedtime stories to read to my daughter is "If I could Keep you little" by Marianne Richmond.  It's a rhyme style picture book told in the voice of a parent who doesn't want their little one to grow.  And let me tell you, every time I read it my eyes get misty like I'm watching the end of "The Color Purple".

When I was pregnant my doctor told me that my baby was on track to be about 10 pounds at birth (insert bugged out eyes), but when she was born she actually weighed a little over 6 pounds (insert praise hands). I remember it like it was yesterday, she was tiny with long limbs and jet-black hair; I was in awe of her.  Watching her grow has been an amazing adventure filled with countless milestones and memories, and now I want it to stop. Okay not really, but time has quickly has taken that tiny baby and turned her into a spirited toddler.  And parents of toddlers know what I mean when I say spirited....

I didn't know how much I'd miss our late night swaddle sessions, or her dribble kisses.  Everyday she needs me less and less and I’m like "when is someone going to invent a damn time machine!!!"  But I get it, these milestones show us to appreciate every moment, and while I can't go back I can go forward.  Forward to a future where I can show my toddler that anything is possible. I'll reference the last line in "If I could keep you little":

“If I could keep you little I'd keep you close to me, but then I'd miss you growing into who you're meant to be"

MOMMIEKNOWSFRESH: 5 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT BEING A MOM

When anyone asks me what it's like being a mom I have a million answers.  It's hard work, it's happiness, it's exasperating, but the word I think describes it the best is amazing.

I often write on Instagram about the "Things I've learned since becoming a mom", like how grilled cheese is king or how four hours of sleep is more than enough (right?) But the really good things about being a parent, the stuff that makes your heart almost burst, those are the things that I really love.

Here are 5 things I love about being a mom:

The Bond

This bond between my daughter and I is unbelievably strong and I wouldn't have it any other way.  I know most people would say "duh, of course she's your child..." But it's more than biology, it's a love that can radiate with just one look, it's just special.

The "Newness"

There's a time in your life when every experience was a new one.  The first time you laughed, or ate bananas, or even walked your first steps.  You know this because while you don't remember it, you have hundreds of sepia colored photos to prove it. When you're a parent you get to experience "newness" through the eyes of your own child, and well the only word to describe it is...fantastic.

The Fun

Being a kid is fun. When we grow up we forget as much, with the bills, and the responsibilities in all, but there is no better time in our lives than our childhood. I have rolled around in a baby gym, jumped into a ball pit, and joined a tiny person soul train line. Yeah, having children definitely increases the fun.

The Learning

I've been to college, taught myself basic knitting, and I drive a car pretty well, but nothing compares with the life lessons that come with being a parent.  This is when it's your turn to experience that "newness" I talked about before.  I was terrified when my daughter was born, but I learned along they way.  Shoot, I'm STILL learning ways I can be a better parent.  Experience is truly the best teacher, and I couldn't ask for a better experience than being her mom.

The Altruism

Finally, what I love about being a mom is how it makes me feel. It makes me genuinely want to be a kinder, nicer, more giving person.  Now before I became a mom I was no grump, but I had a temper that would show itself in colorful ways (insert Hulk joke) if I felt I was wronged.  But something happens when I look at this tiny human, she inspires me to be the GREATEST version of my self.  It makes me more grateful, kind, forgiving, loving, because she is the best of me and I want to be the best for her.

What do you love about being a mom?