Here's to all the women who are out of touch with fashion, who wear maternity clothes even when they aren't pregnant, who have given up on fitting into their date jeans ever again, to all those women who have offered themselves, even their physical bodies, as a sacrifice on the altar of motherhood, today is your day. Look at your children and marvel at the good you have created! I know being a good mom is hard no matter what the circumstances, whether you're doing it alone or with a whole network of people, it's a difficult task and it requires your very best efforts. When my children are grown, I want to look back on this time of my life with fondness and with conviction that I did the very best I could. I showed up, I broke up fights, I read countless stories, I wiped endless bums and noses and I made sure my kids know they are loved unconditionally by at least one person on earth. From what I hear it will be worth it. All the sleepless nights, all the tears and research and worrying, all the forced apologies will culminate in a functioning, contributing member of society. That's right, they will grow up and one day be adults who will hopefully care for us in our old age with the same tenderness and compassion we show them now. I know my two girls and my little boy will stand before me as fully developed adults and I will be so proud. I won't remember the nasty diapers I had to change, the wrestling matches during church or the grating sound of "mommee!" It will all be worth it. Hang on, keep trying, it gets easier, from what I hear. And if they don't turn out, you can always have more.
