Let Me Count the Ways

It's no secret that I am not a "baby person." I'm so happy to be done with the gurgling, teething, screeching, crawling stage that it isn't even funny. And not-quite-five short but somehow also long years later, I am finally really in love with being a mother. It's funny how it happens like that sometimes, it crept up on me, this enjoyment of my children. I've always loved them, truly and deeply in a way that only a mother can when her heart is suddenly walking around outside of her body, but now I am really enjoying them, the funny things they say and do, the way they show their love for me. And I try to tell them, I really do, but I know that I complain a lot here, so I wanted to write a little love letter to my children, for me to remember all of the silly little reasons why I love them.

Dear Aiden,
* I love how every night when I tuck you into bed I tell you, "Good night, sleep tight sweet boy, don't let the bedbugs bite, I'll see you in the morning!" and you always, without fail, tell me, "Mom! Don't let the bedbugs bite you either! Love you!"
* I love that you have become so affectionate and sweet, always giving me kisses and hugs and you told me yesterday at the Y, "Mommy, you are the best mommy in the whole world and I feel so lucky that I am your son!" My eyes swam with tears because not so long ago I worried that maybe you would never be that way with me, and you have surprised me and shown me what a truly special heart you have.
* I love how much you love coloring, and how every time you color a picture you tell me that you think it's better than a real live photograph:)
* I love that you love your new puppy and want to play with him and protect him.
* I love that you love to do puzzles, just like your Daddy, and you don't mind that it takes me a while to figure them out!
* I love that you are really trying to be better about eating new foods and trying fruits and vegetables.
* I love the way you still try to fit into my lap, even though it's nearly impossible.
* I love how great of a big brother you are *most of the time;-)* and you help your sister when she needs it.
* I love how polite you are, you almost always say "please" and "thank you" and "may I?" instead of "can I?" without me ever asking you.
* Most of all I love you for always being yourself and saying how you feel. You are very outgoing and love to make new friends and I hope that never changes!

Dear Ava,
* I love how you pucker your lips up for a big smoochy kiss:)
* I love the way you dance with your eyes closed (even though this will likely someday lead to an accident, lol)
* I love the way you call your bottom a "tiny heiny."
* I love your super squeaky high voice that you use when you are playing pretend.
* I love the way you sing the ABC song and say "elmo elmo p" instead of "lmnop."
* I love that you always remember to give me a hug and a kiss goodbye if I am leaving, and you always tell me that you will miss me.
* I love how you use at least a page of stickers a day, just because they are your favorite thing.
* I love how much you love your brother, and how you ask me at least 10 times every school morning if it is time to pick him up yet (even though as soon as we do, you two start fighting, lol).
* I love how much you love to swing, because it reminds me of myself as a kid.
* I love how when I get frustrated about something, you are always there to encourage me and tell me, "You can do it, Mom! Don't give up!"
* I love how much you love to Swiffer, because it helps make the floors extra clean:)
* I love when you help me cook, because you always get really into it, and it makes me feel happy:)
* I love that you ask to ride bikes in the driveway every single day, despite the fact that it's been freezing and snowy for the past 3 months. Soon, baby girl! Soon!
* Most of all I love you because you wear your heart on your sleeve and I never have to guess how you feel. You love big and hurt deeply and are very passionate and I hope that never changes.

My sweet, beautiful, amazing children...you've changed me so. I really don't remember the person I used to be before I was your mother, and I am better for it. Thank you for letting me love you, teach you, guide you, hold you, and for loving me back even when I've done you wrong or had a weak moment. I'm lucky...