I realize this will change and that part of these feelings are just who I am but I don’t feel like I should be the one being celebrated for mother’s day. While there is always the obvious of all the mothers that have played a part in my life (whether it be my own mom and grandma, my mother in law, or even just those amazing women that helped mother me at some point) and I can’t even begin to start thanking them. But most important all I want to do is celebrate the wonderful, beautiful, little monster that made it even possible for me to be a mom.

We will get to that… But first, the mom’s that deserve all the credit for getting me to where I am now. My mom, she does everything for everyone. Words cannot describe how wonderful she is, and if they could they are way beyond my vocabulary! She would fly to Alaska in a heartbeat if I needed her for anything, no matter how silly. She is always there no matter how busy to help. She has given me so many qualities that I believe make me half the mom she is. I know now, especially being removed from how crazy my brothers and dad can get just how much she puts up with every day. And yet, never once complains. She has supported every single one of my dreams and continues to now even though I am grown and have a family of my own. The one thing that is even greater than having her as my mom is the fact that BB gets her as a grandma. Which everyone knows means no rules and all the love. Everyone always talks about how great it is to see your kids grow up and be parents themselves but I find it really neat to see my mom be a “mother” of sorts to BB and my niece. It’s something else to be separated from that unconditional love and support that as a teenager you can’t get away fast enough from. Mom, I love you, thank you even though words alone can never show my gratitude, and I am so sorry for being such a pain, because let’s be honest, while I am your favorite kid I was probably not the easiest!

My mother-in-law, oh, my mother-in-law. While you have only had a significant role in my life directly for 8 years you have raised the most amazing, genuine, caring, thoughtful, goofy, and generous man I have ever met. There are so many qualities that I have fallen in love with that I know came directly from you. His patience (except for puzzles) is the best example of how wonderful of a mother you are. I still see it with him, his siblings, me, and BB. You are so caring, genuine, selfless, joyful, and patient. I am so grateful to have you as a mother-in-law. You took me in from day one, and to this day I feel like another one of your kids. D is the man and dad he is today because of your influence. Everyone always says to marry a man who loves his mother and treats her the way you want to be treated and while I am confident that I got a good one there is no denying just how much D loves you, and I totally understand why! The greatest gift I have gotten from this marriage is having you as my mother-in-law and even more so BB’s Nana.

Look at the way he looks at her, she’s pretty special to him!

Our grandmothers. As I am sure you can imagine just as D’s mom took me in as her own D’s grandmothers did as well and I have only ever felt love from them. I write this with a heavy heart but not one that is not full of memories, joy, lessons learned, and most importantly love from the relationships I have formed, D and I share, D has, and BB has with all our grandmothers. I am so grateful for all the time we were blessed with and were able to share with our grandmothers. I have learned from them and loved watching them meet, and grow to love BB.

All the other women that had a hand in D or I’s upbringing. Thank goodness for you! While I just got done saying how wonderful all of our mom’s and grandma’s are there is something special that you provided. You were the thump on the head that we needed, you usually just repeated what our mom’s told us the first time but because it was from you we were willing to listen. You taught us how to be rebellious, and how to break the rules. You loved us just the same as if we were your own kids. You helped shape us into who we are today. Thank you for sticking with us and showing us the ropes for the things that our parents just couldn’t get through to us on!

And now, to BB for giving me the honor to be her mom. Thank you for choosing me and while I know soon you will be very vocal about how much you want nothing to do with me I will love you all the same. You have flipped my world upside down and continue to teach me numerous life lessons every day. I never thought I would or even could be a mom, but you have taught me that there is nothing more in the world that I would ever want. Especially to be your mom. Every day that you need me or that I am the one that can fix things fills my heart to the brim (which seems to never end). I never knew I could love this deeply, this completely until you came around. I promise you I am not just saying this when I tell you that I fall in love with you more every single day, more than I ever knew possible.

There are no words and will never be words to describe what you mean to me, or just how completely I love you. I feel like you are my life’s purpose, you made me something. I can’t wait to see you one day grow into a beautiful woman, I can’t wait to teach you how to stand confidently and hold your ground. I hope you know that you were the greatest surprise I have ever gotten. I am still surprised every day just how much I love being your mom. Thank you for being you, and thank you for letting me be your mom. I can’t wait to wake up with you and steal those extra cuddles that only I get. It’s my favorite when you wake up and call for me, or when I am the only one that can change your diaper, pick you up, or hold you. I can’t say that it’s always easy but without a doubt it is always worth it.