Dandelions on my Windowsill

There are pros and cons to everything life. I truly believe that.

Just like parenthood there are pros and cons. I am sure we could all spend time listing the cons such as poop, diapers, puke, backtalk and many others. But there are so many great things about becoming a parent I thought I would take some time to list a few of my favorites. I don't think we as parents stop to smell the roses that be our children quite enough. One day we wake up and they are grown people and we feel a little left in the dust.

1) My first favorite...kisses & hugs. They come in abundances. I love how babies first smooch with wide open mouths. They are just so cute you could care less that they are drooling down your face. My favorite hugs are the unexpected ones coming at you from behind.

2) The very first "I lub you maamie" I so clearly remember the first time Joseph said he loved me when it wasn't in response to me saying it to him. I was hunched over and it came at me from behind with a big hug. It was like a light bulb went off and he realized this great emotion he felt was love and needed to tell me all on his own. I am looking so forward to Trent's first "I lub you"

3) Toys & cartoons. I think we all hit an age where if someone caught you with a barbie in your hand it was embarrassing. But when you have kids you can do all those great things again and feel free to do them, because your just uhh *cough* playing with the kids.

4) "Mommy Idol" its an in-home version of American or Canadian Idol. I can sing to my hearts content as loud and obnoxious as I want and the kids just think its great because I know all the words to the song and can spin them around. This also goes hand in hand with dancing like a maniac.

5) Experiencing things for the first time. There is nothing better than seeing a childs face when they taste something cold, hot, sweet, sour or pickelish for the first time. Makes me have a greater appreciation for the taste of such things.

6) Dandelion's. We all see them as a weed, or a yard nuisance. But my son rushes outside to pick me some and comes inside so full of pride that he got me some pretty flowers, because he knows Mommy loves flowers. He thinks they are gorgeous and a beautiful bold yellow. He see's through what we all think of as ugly. I knew I was a real Mom when I looked up from my dishes and see my dandelions on my windowsill. I love dandelions sitting in their little shot glasses on my windowsill (really I needed a new use for the shotglasses too). I dread the summer when they cease to exist there because all innocence will be lost and the world will have taught my children dandelions are bad, ugly, and weedy.
Until then, I will cherish every one my kids bring home.

7) Waving. I love that my kids wave like crazy out the window at me when I leave and come home. The blow me kisses like they are going out of style. I hope we always enjoy waving at one another so much.

I have a million more... but rest is calling. I have to prepare. Joseph graduates from preschool tomorrow. I think I will have a harder time moving on than he will.