What a Mom of 3 Really Wants For Mother’s Day

—Diamonds are forever, but diaper duty is just fine—

My first mother’s day was celebrated when my oldest had just turned 5 months. I remember the cute hand-made card that my husband ‘wrote’ from my baby, and the flowers and card from my husband. I also received sweet greetings from my mother with a picture of her pregnant with me, and a phone call from my mother-in-law letting me know she was thinking of me and thanking me for being a part of the family. My husband and I and our son had a relaxing breakfast at a nearby cafe. It was sweet and quiet. No gifts or store-bought cards necessary (we don’t really ‘buy’ for B’days or Valentine’s day either- for me, it’s the thought that counts!).

Two more babies and just about 5 years later, I know exactly what I want this Mother’s Day and what I’d like to give as well!

From The Kids:

An entire night of uninterrupted sleep from the 5 year old, the almost 3 year old AND the almost 6 month old! (Haha- wishful thinking!) Next-best-gift: Even though their handmade cards and artwork flow freely from one shelf to the next drawer and many times live in the passenger seat of my car for a few days in between school pickups and drop-offs, I can’t bring myself to say goodbye to the first ‘rainbow’, ‘family portrait’ (with stick legs), and other treasures. From watercolor and finger paint to attempting to spell their own names and Mama and Papa.  I’d love a hand made gift AND a way to organize them all. Over at The Artful Parent  there are 21 great ideas about both how to display children’s art work as well as how to archive them digitally! I especially love this one of children’s art!

For My Mother and Mother-In-Law: 

Coffee!? They both need it when they travel from across the US and even overseas from to visit our family and see how the little ones are growing. They both gift me and my husband a few hours off here and there for a date-night, and they’re always at the ready to take on the next solo adventure with a kids day out. How about this perfect find? From funny and cute to warm and sincere, I can always trust that I’ll find something that I love on Etsy.  Add a freshly sealed pack of their favorite cuppa/java/joe (maybe from a local shop?), a heartfelt card, and I think it’ll be good to go!

Two more babies and just about 5 years later, I know exactly what I want this Mother’s Day and what I’d like to give as well!

From My Husband:

He looks at me just like he did 6 years ago. And I know, whether he tells me daily or not – that he loves me and values the monumental life’s love and work that we both put into being the best parents we can be. While I wouldn’t frown upon a fancy date night , some sparkly personalized bling, or a couple’s massage, I’d honestly be so happy with a conversation that didn’t involve kiddo soccer schedules, baby sleep regression updates, and what not to forget while getting groceries. That plus taking over the morning routine. Or the lunch routine. Or the bedtime routine. I’d love time together (during nap time?) to regroup and rediscover what brought us together in the first place (pre-kids).  It may not be achieved with one gift on one day. I’m hoping we can take a little time each day to recognize ‘us’ before ‘mama and papa’ while pouring a glass of our favorite budget-friendly Trader Joe’s Riesling.  Fresh flowers, freshly folded laundry- I’ll take ‘em both!