“Oh Mama”

Having the opportunity to be a mother is the most challenging yet rewarding thing I have ever done. It’s changed my heart in so many ways, and I’ve learned so many things.

There has never been any other person in this world that can challenge me and make me melt in the same three seconds.

Like the time she got into the dog food after being told hundreds of times “we don’t touch that” and then she runs out of the room and right back in with the broom so we could clean it up.

Or the times she tosses food on the ground while we are eating a meal and next thing I know she has her hand cupped sideways to clean up all the crumbs because she sees us do it all the time.

Or the times we tell her something isn’t okay and she tosses her arms out sideways, palms up and say “HEH?!” and we can help but laugh at her little personality.

The moments that melt me way out number and melt away the challenging ones. The moments that she grabs books and climbs into my lap on the floor, and when she grand my hand to lead me to wherever she wants me to go. They give me the warmest, sweetest feelings inside. And the times she takes both hands, grabs my face and kisses me – completely melt me into a puddle. They are the moments I want to bottle up and keep forever.

Today though, a new moment happened. Since A was born, I’ve always said little things like “Oh A, I love you so.” Or “Oh A. You are so smart.” Oh A. You are so helpful.”

And today, I took her out of her high chair and placed her on my hip; she then proceeded to lean forward and cock her head to the side to look me in the face and she said, “Oh Mama.” She then put her hands on my face and looked at me with the sweetest smile.

Right there my whole heart absolutely melted into a big, giant puddle.

It’s a moment to be tucked into my heart and savored forever.