Transitioning into mommyhood isn't gradual, it's instant. Knowing what to do isn't necessarily natural, it's learned. BUT, times when everything seems to be running smoothly, everything seems easy and in sync, moments when everything slows down and you are able to relax, breathe in, and enjoy... these are mommy moments.
They pop up all the time, you just have to be open and aware. Maybe after you've finished feeding your darling babe, or maybe even during the feeding, the sense of welcomed calm flowing between the two of you, the joy of being able to admire every last inch of the perfect being you are taking care of, the sweetness of looking into those innocent eyes and them looking back into yours... this is a mommy moment.
Finished cleaning up after lunch you have a moment to sit down with your kids, to interact and play, watching them become fully engrossed in their task at hand, their endearing imagination running wild, their sweet little voice singing to their own tune, their pure contentment of being in the moment... this is a mommy moment.
Done with supper, done with the bath, it's just before bedtime, wrestling around with them on the floor, extracting oodles and oodles of contagious giggles, allowing the most intense emotions of love and reverence and gratitude to well up inside of you, taking you over and forming the biggest smile on your face... this is a mommy moment.
Mommy moments are some of the most beautiful and wondrous parts of being a parent (don't be fooled by the name, there can be daddy moments too), and I think if we could focus on creating more of these, our relationships with our kids would be stronger, parents and children would be happier, and the world would be a better place.
I would love to hear all about some of the most enjoyed moments you've shared with your kids.
Hey Jess,
ReplyDeleteNow that the girls are so much older the mommy moments seem to be clues as to how they will behave when they leave home. Little things like having the kitchen cleaned up with out having to ask. Hugs and text messages with love that hint that I might have done something right in raising them. :)
Thank you for your blog and reminding me of those moments.
Aww, that's so sweet. :) It's a good feeling to know you've done a good job and have raised some wonderful kids. :)
DeleteWhile I do not have any of my own yet, I was around my niece and nephew when they were little ones so I know some of these moments. They certainly are wonderful. I am looking forward to my own one day. Just stoppin by from the a-z.
ReplyDeleteElliot
We Are Adventure
It's easy to find such moments with any child, but it's even more special with your own. :) I can't wait for you to experience it. :)
DeleteBoth my kids love to come and lie with me in bed-I go to bed early like a granny-and sit and chat with me before I fall asleep. It's very sweet and charming to cuddle with an 19 yr old and a 14 year old, all in one bed.
ReplyDeleteAww, I love this! I love that they are still cuddly at that age! I'm such a snuggler with my kids and I hope they'll still give me cuddles when they're older. :)
DeleteI didn't have children so I cannot speak to moments like these with kids of my own. I've seen these moments happen with parents that I know and they are lovey. Beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteBeing able to witness such moments is a joy as well. :)
DeleteI love Mommy moments too!
ReplyDeleteThey're the moments we live for. :)
DeleteThis is beautiful. I don't have children but I love them. My favorite kid moments are funny stories. I love hearing about their funny stories.
ReplyDeleteJaime at Awakenings and Reflections
I love kids stories too. They find humour in the simplest things which is so endearing. :)
DeleteBeautifully put Jessica. When my kids were babies and even as they grew, I would often sing to them at night. Two songs, Masterpiece by Sandy Patty and Edelweiss, were the two I sang most often. Now my second son is soon to be the first of my children to get married at the age of 22. My future daughter-in-law asked me to choose the song I wanted for the mother-son dance. I didn't know. My son and I started discussing options. We checked google. A friend suggested Sunlight/sunset. Then one night the whole family was out to dinner and as we were talking about song options, my oldest son said, "Well you can't have "Masterpiece". That's the one I am choosing if I ever get married." It became obvious then. Edelweiss was perfect. Tender mommy moments will be relived on the dance floor. Thanks for stopping by my blog during A to Z. I enjoyed returning the visit. God bless, Maria from Delight Directed Living
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story! You nearly brought tears to my eyes (I'm so sensitive). I love that you have such special songs with so much meaning behind them. I'm sure it will be so lovely when you get to have that dance with your son on the dance floor. :)
DeleteI loved this post! I definitely had a few this afternoon with my boy talking to me while fiddling with all the toys in the store. And when he held on to me from the car to his room because he wanted to take a nap.
ReplyDeletePrecious. Money can't buy these moments.
Aww, that's a good one. I love when they snuggle right into you because they're sleepy. :)
DeleteThanks Jessica for this lovely post! Although my sons are now adult and we don't see them as much as we used to (they live in different parts of South Africa) we keep in regular touch. I so well remember those special moments of closeness, love and affection, pride and joy in my 2 great guys, then and now.
ReplyDeleteThat's sad that your sons live far away. At least you have all those wonderful moments to hold onto until your next visits. :)
DeleteMy children are well inot theeir teens now but the thing I like most, still, is laughing with them.
ReplyDeleteThat's sweet. It's so nice that even in their teens they're still cool enough to hang out with you and just laugh. :)
DeleteI love your descriptions of Mummy Moments. Wish I could have them back. Two of my adult children have died and my remaining daughter lives on the other side of the world. This points out how necessary it is to establish your contacts while you can.
ReplyDeleteFrancene.
A - Z Challenge
http://francene-wordstitcher.blogspot.co.uk/
My condolences for your loss. I think to myself all the time about how difficult it must be for parents to experience such a thing as losing a child. Fortunately you do have those mommy moments in your memory.
DeleteI agree. My daughter is 21 years old now but I always used to tell my friends when my daughter was little that, the housework can wait, your child is only ever gonna be this age one time...enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteDark Thoughts Blog
I agree, children grow so fast. You blink and before you know it, they're so big and independent. Sometimes it's hard to live in the moment and cherish each moment as you experience it, but it's definitely something people should make a big effort to do. :)
DeleteIt's lovely to hear you talk about your mommy moments. They bring up sweet memories for me. I'm a mother of five, two of my grown children have died and my mom moments with my living adult children now are treasured beyond words
ReplyDeleteMy condolences for your loss. You are the second commenter who has lost two children. You both are extremely strong women in my eyes. How true though that your mom moments with the children who are still living would be all the more cherished.
DeleteOh, I love mommy moments! Now that my boys are teen and pre-teen, I find that many mommy moments happen in the car as we are driving to one activity or another.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with A to Z!
Jenny at Choice City Native
Wherever they happen, they're something to be grateful for. :) It's so nice to hear you have a connection with your teen and pre-teen boys, it seems like something some parents let go of far too easily.
DeleteAny time I was there to capture that look of awe on their face for a "first" time.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful one! I love those moments too. :)
DeleteHi Jen,
ReplyDeleteNice to 'meet' you too. Thanks for stopping by. :)
I don't have any kids but I have Aunty moments! My niece is adorable, I love hearing her shout Aunty row.
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