Things I've Learned As A Mom

Three years ago today, I officially joined the “Mom” club.   Although, I had assumed the Mommy role and the boys called me Mommy since the day of their placement 18 months prior.   This was the day the state of Texas named Hubby and I as the parents of Woody and Tigger.

On one hand, it’s hard to believe that it was only three years ago.   On the other hand, it seems so long ago.   As I was remembering the events of that day, I realized how far we have come in three years.   Of course, the boys have grown and learned – but oh my, oh my – I think I am the one who has learned the most.   Like most mothers, I’ve learned about love, forgiveness, how to create a meal out of a can of tomatoes and a jar of peanut butter, and how to survive with a minimal amount of sleep.   But there are so many other things I’ve learned that I didn’t realize would come with motherhood.

I’ve learned that furniture can be rearranged when it is necessary to hide the Sharpie marker scribbles that were made by a certain child on the side of a bookshelf unit.

I’ve learned the names of most of the Marvel comic characters.

I learned the theme songs to “Dora the Explorer”, “The Backyardigans”, “Between the Lions”, “Sid the Science Kid”, and “Martha Speaks.”   I’ve also learned about all of the characters on the shows.

I’ve learned to despise “Caillou” for his whiney voice, “Word Girl” for continually lying to her parents, and “Sid the Science Kid” because Sid’s classmate, Gerald, has to be told 2 or 3 times before he will do what Teacher Suzy instructs him to do.

I’ve learned that if a shirt gets washed with a sticker, chances are, the shirt will never again be the same – even with Goo-Gone.

I’ve learned that pasta, tomato sauce, and meat can be loved or hated – it all depends on the pasta shape.   Long, thin spaghetti noodles called “spaghetti with meat sauce” = good.   Short, stubby elbow macaroni noodles called “goulash” = bad.

I’ve learned that no matter what I say, my boys will always think that farts are funny.   Ditto for belching.

I’ve learned that no matter what I say, my boys constantly have their fingers buried up their noses or laced between their toes. (And let me just say “GRRRRRROOOOOOSSSSSSSS!”

I’ve learned that a boy can walk over/around/on top of something for days on end without ever thinking to stop and pick up or move said item.

I’ve learned that I will struggle and search to find the perfect toy for my beautiful boy, only to have said beautiful boy toss the toy aside and play with the box.

I’ve learned that a snack almost always improves present circumstances.

I’ve learned that a nap can change almost anything.

And I’ve learned that being a Mom is the toughest job I’ve ever had – but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.   I can hardly wait to see what Woody and Tigger are going to teach me next.