M is for the million things she gave me ...

Before becoming one, I never thought much about how much importance other mothers would take on for me and my own family. Now that I'm a mom, all the others moms in my life are vital to my well-being and happiness.
My MIL Judy has provided me with a wonderful husband and an amazing father to children who wouldn't be here otherwise!
My friend Christine, nearer to the beginning of her life as a mom, manages to make me feel wiser than I really am.
It has been amazing to share being a mom on the exact timeline as my sister Jenny.
My BFF moms Kerri and Becky are witnessing and experiencing my own day-to-day life as a mom, encouraging me, laughing with me, and helping me, as well as saving my butt when it needs saving (often). I had no idea I would find two women with whom I would share so much in the way of carpools, food, discipline, toys, clothes, emotions, alcohol, and schedules AND that I would love it!

And my own mom has provided a template for motherhood to which I now willingly aspire, after years of kicking against "turning into my own mom." Now, I hope that I can live my own motherhood with the grace, humor, spirit, and vitality she shows everyday!