The Joy of Motherhood

Since Mother's Day is only a few days away, I thought that I would open my blog with some thoughts on motherhood. Being a mom is one of the greatest joys in my life. I have been a mother for 25 years but I would like to share with you a story when I was just a very new mom.

I brought my infant daughter for her first pediatrician visit. I had read in one of my "baby books" that it was a good idea to write down any questions that you have for the doctor. Our pediatrician did his examination of my little girl and when it was complete, he turned towards me and asked if I had any questions? I immediately took out my list with quite a few questions on it. He exclaimed, "Oh, you wrote them down."

I began with question number one, which he answered and then went on to question number two, again he answered it. When I came to question number three, he stopped me and said, "Just follow your instincts as a mother". With that he smiled at me and my little one and walked out the door.

My first thought was "I never did this before, what if I don't have any instincts?!"

I didn't call him back, I just picked up my baby and walked out of the office.

I received a great deal of advice from my own mom and my mother-in-law and I sought the advice of friends who had babies a few years before me and then I did what I thought was best. As time went on, I realized that I did have motherly instincts. Did I do everything perfectly? No. But we all know that there is no such thing as a perfect mother. As long as we love the children that we are given, everything else falls into place.

Whether you are a new mom, or a mom of grown children, or somewhere in between, I would love to hear your comments on what being a mom means to you. And for all of you moms out there, give yourselves a pat on the back and enjoy your special day with your family.  Happy Mother's Day!