...10 things I love about being a mom...

I ripped this idea off of my sister-in-law's blog because I think it's really easy to complain about the daily grind. Instead, I'm trying to narrow down what I love about being a mom to TEN things. Hmm. Tough one.

1...I love that, no matter how big he gets, I'm still Declan's comfort. I love rocking, cuddling and snuggling with him. These times are rare with my active boy but fabulous when they happen.

2...I love listening to Declan talk about his favorite joy in life (balls) in the monitor every night and morning. Some samplings: "I'll get the ball", "kick the ball", "ball- the ball", "I see the ball". It's hysterical.

3...I love watching Declan learn new things every single day. This morning we were talking through body parts- eyes, nose, ears, teeth, etc. and I taught him knees, fingers and toes. Tonight- he proudly stated all his learnings without prompting. Craziness.

4...I love being a family. From running around the park to creating new traditions, it's amazing to be a part of our own little family unit.

5...I love it when Declan climbs up on my lap face-to-face demanding every other bite of what I'm eating. I'm a germaphobe but could care less when my son is open mouthed like a bass after bait.

6...I love watching Mark be the beloved Daddy. Declan adores him and he adores Declan. We will sit at our favorite restaurant, childless, and look at pictures of Decs on our phones and tell stories and laugh about him until our faces hurt. It's indescribable to watch him be such a proud, tender, loving and fun Daddy.

7...I love the fact that genetics totally don't matter. Rarely do I even think about the fact that Declan is not genetically linked. I am an overly doting mama. My son is the cutest 2 year old in the world and it's not because he has my eyes and Mark's lips. It's because he's simply Declan...that Charlie Brown smile, bright eyes, missing tooth, big fat cheeks, skinny string bean body and long toes. I kiss him a 100 times a day until he belly laughs and leans back in for more.

8...I love being able to help shape a little person to be enthusiastic, happy, secure and LOVED child. Discipline is often frustrating but so important. I'm constantly on repeat- "go tell Mae Mae (our dog) you're sorry, hitting is not kind". Sounds dumb, but the foundation we're trying to set is what matters.

9...I love the love Declan gives. His eyes shine for me as mine for his. 'Nough said on that one, I'm choked up already.

10...The 10th thing I love about being a mom is the fellowship with other parents. I hated listening to people talk about their kids before Declan. It was salt in some deep infertility wounds for years. We had vowed to not be "those people" that go on and on about kiddos/parenting but we've waved the white flag and realized it's necessary to survival. Not only is it necessary, but it's a way to go deep with friends and a way to share laughs with strangers.

I'd love to hear...what is something YOU love about being a mom (or- if you're TTC, adopting or in the middle of fertility treatments- what do you look forward to about being a mom)?