1. I LOVE being a mom. I love that this little person grew inside my body like something in a movie. I love that he looks like my husband, I love that he looks at me and gets so excited that he makes a little high-pitched squeal of happiness. I love that EVERYONE always says how happy he is, and I love that I love him so much. It has taught me more about myself than I can say. He makes me a stronger person everyday and I know I will just keep learning from him. I also love the look on his face when he sees something new or something that excites him. The look on his face when he sees something for the first time is priceless.
2. I LOVE breastfeeding. It might actually become a problem. I will likely be that person who you think has a baby that is too old to breastfeed. Get over it, I will do what I think is right for my child, even if it means breastfeeding until he is 2. Although I am sad to say that I think my little Mr. Independent will be way over it by then.
3. I LOVE my job. I really believe that your job finds you. Mine certainly did. I was working with a woman last week and quite honestly had slacked off on some resources I was suppossed to research for her. I am currently doing most of my boss's job while she is on maternity leave and my job and the job of someone we recently had to let go suddenly, so saying I am overdone at work is an understatement. This woman emailed me and I felt so bad for her having to ask me twice to get these things for her. I emailed back with lots of apologies and details of how I thought she should move forward with the info. This was her email back to me:
"Thank-you so much for the information. I not only appreciate the referrals and services you have helped obtain but also the obvious care you take in responding to your clients needs.Your approach allows me to feel more of a participant then a recipient.That may seem just semantics but the result is an empowerment that contributes to a boost in self esteem and optimism that benefits anyone living with a disabling condition."
How cool is that? What she is talking about is exactly my job. It's not to do things for a person, but to give them the tools to learn how to do this on their own. I am so thrilled that she got that out of my work with her. And I'm glad she took the time to tell me about it.
4. I LOVE getting mail. My dad still sends me little cards or letters with hand-written notes inside. I love that. Going out to get the mail is so exciting! What will come today? Did anyone send a note, or is it just bills? We even have NetFlix now, so I get super excited when I see a red envelop in the box and get to open it and see what it is!
5. I LOVE my neighborhood. University City is one of the most diverse and exciting places in the St. Louis area. The Delmar Loop, located around the block from us, was recently named one of the 10 best streets in America. I love that people smile and say hello when we are on our walks, and that our neighbor, who I had never met, offered to lend me something I really needed, just to be kind! I love that BBZ will attend the same elementary school that my grandfather did and that the church where my grandparents met is right nearby.
6. I LOVE being outside. I think that is why I love camping, I have no choice but to spend the whole day outside when we are camping. N and BBZ and I take walks almost every day around our neighborhood. We also just went to Forest Park and enjoyed a wonderful stroll. I love the quietness of sitting under a tree and staring up at the leaves blowing in the wind, and wondering what the world was like 5000 years ago when trees and sky was almost all that was around.
7. I LOVE having pets. When I go to a person's house who doesn't have a pet a feel a bit sorry for them. I have always had a pet and think it is one of the best things to have in your life. My pets mean about as much to me as my friends. I wouldn't trade any of them for the world. Those pets are there with their love and bright eyes even when I first get home and don't want to be bothered by them. They will sit and wait and as soon as I let them know I need them, they are there. Unconditionally. That is love.
