Project 52.6- Motherhood is.... Watching the Bond of Father and Son

The bond between Matthew and Jackson was instant! I remember when we first brought Jackson home, Matthew would sing and rock him when he was fussy. Daddy could always make him laugh with his silly face or funny voices. Daddy was and continues to be his hero!
The distance we are facing as a family has become a bit more obvious for Jackson. In the last few weeks he has become aware that after we put him down on Sunday nights, daddy leaves. Oh the sadness he feels!
However, every Friday afternoon when daddy walks through the front door it's like no time has passed! He runs for his daddy saying, "da-da" as loud as he can! The joy that crosses both of their faces warms the heart of this mommy!! For two days he is in daddy heaven, waking up looking for him and enjoying every ounce of love and attention daddy showers him with!
He is daddy's "little buddy" and anywhere daddy goes you are sure to find him. Looking up with total love and admiration!!
There is nothing like the father son bond!! I'm so blessed to watch this relationship unfold!!

Daddy and Jackson looking at Trains

Project 52.5- Motherhood is...... Picking your Battles

Im beginning to truly understand Jackson's need, drive, God-given DNA (all of the above) to be independent!! He so wants to do his own thing, his own way. And as you all know, the control-freak, perfectionist in me, struggles with this. "I know better"I want to scream, "listen to me".
However, my strong-willed, independent little boy doesn't listen and he keeps on his merry way!
The other day, while the rain came down, I was feeling a bit like the weather and not much like myself! It was a perfect day for Jackson to strut his own agenda and for me to decide which battles to pick! To say he won is an understatement!! We both did that day! I gave in a bit and he rewarded me with more love, hugs, kisses and cuddles!
By picking my battles with him I realized less stress and more fun! Funny how my (almost) 17 month old continues to teach me about being a mommy!!

Must do it ALL by himself

Project 52.4- Motherhood is... Letting Go

For me, the essential control freak, letting Jackson be a kid can be frustrating. I know that he needs to explore his surroundings, test his own limits and fall, but it's difficult for me!! I want to wrap him up in my arms and keep him safe from everything.....

Luckily for me and in truth Jackson, we are blessed to have Matthew!! He pushes Jackson, encourages Jackson and gives him the confidence to excel!!

It still doesn't make the falls any less painful to watch..... But at least we do it with a smile!!

Newest Bump

Project 52.3- Motherhood is..... Love

To love and receive love is the greatest gift of all!!
Being a mommy is hard work! One of the toughest jobs Ive ever had. I don't have a specific start or end time.... I'm on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (unless of course Grammy and Papa have him for the night). But yet it's the most rewarding gift I've ever been given!
I get paid in kisses, hugs, cuddle time and smiles! No amount of money or quiet time could EVER fill my soul the same!
The love I feel for my boy(s) is so overwhelming, a love that I never thought possible! For that alone I am blessed!
Motherhood is NOT what I thought it would be.... It's SO much more!

Benjamin 

Cheesy Boy