Happy Mother's Day!

I thought I'd share with you the things I’ve learned about being a mom-from other mothers. I couldn’t possibly capture them all here-motherhood is definitely a journey and I’m learning new things daily!

I’ve learned so many lessons from my own mother throughout my life-even if I paraphrased them, I’m sure there would not be enough room on this website to list them all.  She’s taught me things about business (both her business and mine), about being independent, being fierce and somehow at the same time graceful. She can achieve obedience with the raise of an eyebrow and snuggle in for a story in the very next moment. I only hope that one day; I can be half the mom she has been to me.  The one lesson I will never forget-the one that is ingrained in my head-‘always wear lipstick or you will get sick.’ She even had lipstick compacts engraved with that saying one year for Christmas for my sister and me.  But no matter how tired or run down I am, or sick or covered in spit up or baby poo, lipstick really does always make me feel just a little bit better. Thanks, Mom.

Then there are my ‘other mothers’-my mom’s girlfriends-the ones who have been there for me since before I was born. The most important thing they, along with my mom, have taught me is the importance of girlfriends.  The ones that hold your hands during your darkest days, and dance the night away at your biggest celebrations, and tell you that you look great-usually when you don’t feel like you do! You are such amazing role models to me.

My sister and my best friend have been by my side during some of my hardest times and my most amazing times.  They’ve been there for the not so pretty stuff like helping me out of my wedding dress when it’s 115 degrees, and helping me figure out how in the heck to nurse two babies.  They’ve taken care of my babies when I couldn’t-dropping everything to help me.  Amy & Laura-you’ve taught me that there are bonds in your life that can never be broken, I think in fact they grow stronger every year.  You are both my sisters and my friends-and I don’t tell you I love you enough.

I met a group of girlfriends 9 years ago after my oldest son was born-my ‘mommy group’. I feel like the term has become so trendy lately-and these women are so much more.  Our children have gone through the same stages at the same times and we have commiserated and lifted each other up through all of it. These women, who have only been a part of my life for 9 years have been a sounding board, an audience, cheerleaders, coaches, and of course friends. They’ve taught me that it’s ok to not always be the mom I strive to be-that just striving to be a good mom and worrying that I’m not, makes me a good mom already. Somehow, I think in about 25-30 years, we’ll all be sharing stories of our children’s marriages and the births of our grandchildren. Mommies-I’m hoping you will be a part of my life for a long time.

Jaime and I met almost four years ago when our boys became fast friends in Kindergarten. At the time they would plan and coordinate wearing matching outfits to school on certain days.  Now in third grade, they still frequently make plans for us on weekends and we love it.  Jaime and I have grown closer in the last two years while working out. Earlier this year, I confessed a big decision to Jaime.  I was feeling nervous about telling her my news, and the end result was Jaime telling me that she was proud of me.  Jaime is a true friend, one I can have oh-so-much fun with, one who is brutally honest and a fellow boy-mom. I know I can turn to her for advice in parenting and pedicure dates.  She's taught me to trust in friendship. 

Almost two years ago, I took a road trip with three other local publishers to the Macaroni Kid Meet Up-we were all a little unsure of each other before the trip. By the time we returned from Montauk, NY, we were thick as thieves.  I cannot imagine that I've spent almost 40 years without these women in my life, but you can be darn sure they will be by my side (or on the other side of the mile-long text chain) for the rest of my life.  They are all the cliche part of friendship, lift me up, bring me back to reality, help me grow, blah blah.  They are also pee-in-your-pants funny and I find myself giggling daily at our antics.  They are amazing women, fiercely loyal, and oh, so real.  I learn from them daily-and commiserate with them over skipped naps, kids covered in garlic sauce, and the need for more wine. These women are just plain good for my soul. 

But the people who have taught me the most important lessons about being a mom are not moms. In fact, they will never be moms and they aren’t even women.  My three boys have taught me the most amazing things.  They have taught me that I can have strength and calm when needed. I can trust my instinct, it is fierce-it knows when I am on the right path for my boys, and I will fight until I have accomplished what they need.  They have shown me the most incredible, intense love I have ever felt. They have surprised me-and continue to surprise me daily. I have never in my life felt my heart so full as when I look at them-particularly when they all three are together, the oldest doting on his brothers, and his brothers wide-grinned looking at their brother.  I think to myself in these times, ‘I gotta be doing something right to get to be a mom to these three.’

I hope you have the most amazing Mother's Day!  You deserve it. 

xoxo, 

Katy

Happy Mother’s Day-I hope you have been spoiled rotten today. You all deserve it!