They Told Me My Life Would Change...

But they DIDN'T tell me I would change.

And that I'd never, ever be the same.

Seven years ago yesterday, my life changed in ways I never would have imagined.

Going into labor three weeks early, my body not ready,
but the doctors telling me I was in danger,
Praying you were okay, that my body hadn't put stress on you,
52 hours of labor, and then,
During the Mickey Mouse Christmas Carol, when that Ducky Scrooge
Walks down the village road,
My water breaks.
And, you were born, not making a sound.
Scary.
But then, a little squeal. Then a cry. A beautiful, BEAUTIFUL cry.
Your Daddy looked at me and said, "I LOVE YOU SO MUCH" in a way
I'd never heard before.
And, there, in that very hospital room, my life as a woman, as a wife,
Suddenly became a MOTHER.

Taking you home, protecting you, caring for you.
Worrying that you were sleeping too long.
Sleeping too little.
Eating enough.
Staying at home for weeks- you were so tiny, I was SCARED to take you out.
Living life on tidbits of sleep.

But all of this pales in comparison to the changes in me...

Loving at a level deeper than I ever knew possible.
Seeing the world in a whole new way.
Feeling more compassion.
Feeling greater depths of sorrow. . . with every tragic news story I'd see.
Knowing that no matter what was happening with the news, some Mom's "baby" was
involved - - someone who loved her child in exactly the same way I love mine.
Understanding why it mattered when I stayed out late in High School.
Knowing the depth of my Mother's love for me.
Believing that miracles REALLY DO HAPPEN.

My baby boy is seven years old.

SEVEN.

Happy Birthday, Brendan.

Thank you for making me a Mom.

Thank you for changing my life.

Thank you for changing ME.

Love you, kiddo.