The other night I was laying in bed with Toodie snuggled up next to me watching a movie on the iPad. I cuddled up close to her and put my arm around her as she giggled and drifted off into a world of My Little Pony. I closed my eyes for a few minutes to rest and was woken suddenly by a soft kiss on my forehead. Naturally, I opened my eyes and saw Toodie smiling at me. She took her hand and stroked my cheek. In her soft sweet little voice she said, “Mommy, I just love you so much. You are the greatest mommy in the world. I love you.” My heart melted and in this moment I reminded myself how thankful I am to be a “mommy” and to have such a wonderful child that gives me unconditional love on a daily basis. Being a mom is special. It’s one of those jobs not everyone understands but if you do, then you know how unique it is. Inspired by love I came up with the 10 reasons why I think being a mommy rocks!
1. Hugs & kisses are always FREE! Have you ever walked in the door from a long day at work or running errands and been greeted by your child with endless waves of affection? The love from a child is something very special. It’s unique and unlike any other. The days that I am away I cannot wait to get home and feel those little arms wrapped around my neck. It assures me that she missed me just as much as I missed her!
2. Being reminded of what is most important in life. Being a mommy completely changed my prospective on my priorities, interests, goals, and life in general. The day I found out that I was pregnant I knew that being a mother would be more than a responsibility but a passion. Almost five years later and I cannot imagine doing anything but packing lunches, running bubbles baths, wiping tears, and reading bedtime stories snuggled under the blankets.
3. The freedom to be silly, weird, and goofy. Your child doesn’t judge you when you are having a bad hair day, put on socks that don’t match, step in dog poop, or burn dinner. They love you anyway! In fact, they will probably get a load of giggles. Toodie is the biggest goofball I know and I am proud to say she gets it from ME.
4. Relive your childhood. No one really wants to grow up. At some point we all wish we could snap our fingers and go back to when we were kids. Being a mommy gets us as close as we can to a time machine! I love being able to play board games, make crafts, bake goodies, dress Barbies, and build forts with every pillow we can find. It reminds me that even as as adult I can have fun even if it’s in the simplest form.
5. Two words: Disney movies! Not only do you get to watch your favorite Disney movies over and over and over again, but you also get to expand your current collection. Toodie has a growing heap of Disney films, many of which I had never seen prior. Who doesn’t love a classic? I actually love movie nights, popcorn, and watching Cinderella dance her little heart out at the ball.
6. My daughter makes me proud. Besides the life lessons that I have already begun to teach her, Toodie is becoming her own person. She’s sweet, kind, thoughtful, and cares about others. The other day Papa got a cut on his finger and Toodie felt so TERRIBLE about it that she cleaned his boo-boo with a wipe and stuck a Barbie band-aid on top. A small act of kindness is only a stepping stone to the person she will grow up to be, an awesome one at that!
7. I live with my cuddle buddy. Sometimes I just want to get in bed, turn on the TV, and cuddle. Fortunate for me, so does my kid! She is so much like mommy in this sense. Our kids make the BEST cuddle partners. They may squirm and we may end up losing half of our bed space, but there is nothing better than their snuggles.
8. You aren’t expected to be perfect. You’re not and that’s perfectly okay. They know we aren’t and it doesn’t change their opinion of us at all. They love us, imperfections and all. You can be yourself and most importantly, encourage them to be who they are too. Being a parent isn’t easy and we all have our days. But always remember to remind yourself that you are doing a great job.
9. My child makes me happy. I don’t care what kind of day I am having. It could be the worst. When I get home and see my daughter’s eyes light up with joy it makes all the bad disappear. I enjoy watching her experience things for the first time, learn, explore, smile, laugh, play, and share everything with me. It reminds me that this incredible kid is mine!
10. The little things matter most. Our children watch everything we do. They copy us. They learn from us. They are smaller versions of us! I have the opportunity to shape my tiny darling into a person destined for greatness. As a parent I am here to give her guidance, support, and praise. What we may see as “small” may mean the world to them. Hugs, kisses, compliments, silly moments, laughs, and one on one time are all cherished. After all, they do look up to us and this means we have the power to shower them with the love they deserve. Everyday I feel lucky and blessed to be a mommy. This is one important job!
Huppie Mama says
What a sweet post! Love the story at the beginning. She is getting to be such a big girl – already losing her first tooth??
Masshole Mommy says
I love this post. My oldest is nine and he is in that stage where he doesn't like me to kiss him in front of anyone. I always tell him that being his mom give me a life time entitlement 🙂
Sandra VanHoey says
Awww, isn't that the sweetest! I wish they'd stay young for longer than they do. Seems like they grow up way to fast then the hugs aren't as important to them. I remember similar things with my 3 children which are now grown and it makes me want them young again.Treasure each and every moment!
Unknown says
That is just awesome. It sure is a blessing and makes us aware of who we are and how wonderful our little one is..our life, and our heart, our love. Enjoy they grow up so fast!
Felicia Carter says
So true. I love that all of the little things mean so much. I can't even remember life before I was a mom.
The Rebel Chick says
Aw, this is such a sweet post! I need to bookmark it and come back to this for a little reminder when I am having a crappy parenting day!
Kecia says
I totally agree — being a mom is downright awesome! My 3 year old randomly tells me throughout the day "I love you mommy" it warms my heart no matter how many times I hear it!!
Paige Nicole says
This is so cute! I'm not ready to have kids yet but this list reminded me why I'm looking forward to it!
sweetsavant says
Yes, being a Mommy rocks! I love the spontaneous hugs and silly jokes we share.
Ellen says
What cute photos. Great memories. We did watch a lot of Disney movies when my kids were little.
R.F. Dietz says
This is an adorable list! I love being a weirdo with my little one, he thinks it’s totally normal! Our children definitely keep us young…or at least young minded.
Sippy Cup Mom says
I agree with all of these! It's my favorite thing in the world!
Cara says
Awwwww how sweet! They may drive me crazy but I love them and can't imagine a world without my crazy kids!
sonyamorris (Sonya Morris) says
Love it! I cannot imagine life without my kids and don't know what I ever did without them!
Amy Desrosiers says
This is a super cool list! After the day I had, I feel like I could write my own post of ten things no one tells you about being a mom!
A Mom's Take says
What a cute post!! Sometimes, it's easy to get caught in the reasons it doesn't rock so much, like late night dramas, but there is a lot of greatness of being a mom.
A Helicopter Mom says
So sweet! I've always known I wanted kids, but could never have imagined how wonderful it would be, every single day. 🙂
Marvelous Mommy says
I love the freedom to be goofy. My kids get a kick out of it. Following you on Instagram now!
Lindsey Paris says
Some sweet photos!! You are such a pretty brunette – don't go blond! 🙂
QueenB says
really cute post!! i love it! my 4 year old sounds a lot like your little girl
Felicias Red Door Life says
An absolutely perfect list of what it means to be a mom. Being a weirdo kid with your kid is always a blast no matter how big that kid is. =) And those random hugs and kisses, I live for those!
Stefani @ MommyEnterprises.com says
Aww, what a sweet post. I picked my my son from school today. We went to the store and walked from the car to the door of the store holding hands. I wish there was someone there with a camera to snap the moment so I could remember it. 🙂
Debi@ The Spring Mount 6 pack says
So sweet. I love your list.
Debi@ The Spring Mount 6 pack says
So sweet. It is a beautiful list
Susanna Barbee says
What a sweet post! I especially love #8 and #10. Those hit home with me. I love being a mommy.
Melinda says
what a really great list. it's so important to stop and notice the small things
Janeane Davis says
I like your list. It is nice to see a list of someone celebrating being a mom!
Jamie F says
You and you daughter are beautiful! I love being a mom to a boy and a girl, it's fun seeing the difference in their love towards me…it's very special!
Candy says
What fabulous reason!! Being a mom truly does Rock!
Brandy says
Awww I love this post. Being a Mommy is the best job ever. I always say it's the job I always seem to do right, because in our kids eyes – we are always doing great to them. They just want our time and love! Beautiful photos too!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
What she said to you made me all misty and melty too, and she's not even my child. Your list sure does sum up the goodness of being a mom. 🙂
Cassie Tucker says
These also work for other relationships. I fulfill a lot of these by spending time with my niece and nephew since my husband and I can't have children 🙂
Liza @ Views From the 'Ville says
How sweet! Disney movies is on my list, too 🙂 Not sure I could draw the line at 10, though; being a Mama has been pretty darn amazing so far.
Maddi'sMommy says
Awe, I love these photos of you and your daughter. Being a mom does rock.