I love being a mom

I really love being a mom. I know everybody says that, but I really mean it. I do love it. That’s not to say there aren’t times when 3 over extended, sleep deprived, all around grouchy kids work my last nerve….because there are those times. Like last night. However, all in all, I love it. It makes me sad & excited to see my kids are growing up. And as they grow and change so do I. I no longer battle over nap times, or have cupboards full of sippy cups and onesis, HOWEVER there are still battles.

My oldest child, my daughter, Alivia, is almost 11 years old. She is standing on the threshold of adolescence. I know this for the following reasons:
1. She’s becoming a little moody. Just a little. Its subtle little things….
2. She’s beginning to care a little bit about what she wears. 95% of the time I lay out her clothes, but lately she’s begun to want to do that herself…..ok, great!
3. She stinks. As in I went out and bought her deodorant. OMG need I say more?
I welcome this new independence. I try my best to encourage it, nurture her creativity and individuality. However, this is where the battle comes in, her hair is another matter. I cannot stand a ratty head of hair. Alivia on the other hand, could care less. Brushing her hair is a constant battle. I am constantly reminding her. Which brings us to last night….

She was the last to shower. I read her brothers a couple books while she showered, and got ready for bed. We finished reading, and everyone got tucked in. Being older, Alivia is allowed the special privilege of reading or writing in her diary for awhile. I went downstairs, and when I came back up I peeked in on her. We chatted for a minute, and I kissed her goodnight. As I walked out I realized she had not brushed out her hair after her shower. This is how the conversation went….

“Alivia, did you brush your hair out?”
“no”
“Well, you need to. Do you want me to throw you a brush?”
“no”
“why not?”
“ ‘cause I’m not gonna brush it tonight”

--I give that mother look—

“why?”
“ ‘cause”
“ALIVIA”
“mommy, I’ll brush it in the morning”
“You need to brush it tonight. It’ll be all tangled in the morning.”
“I know”

--Lord, give me strength-- I try again

“so…. Why don’t you just brush it tonight?”
“ well, --big sigh-- I guess I just like a challenge.”

I just lost the battle.
I laughed, and walked out of the room with a big smile on my face.
Yes, I LOVE being a mom.