What do I want for Mother's Day?

Henry asked me a few nights ago at bedtime what I would like for Mother's Day. The first thing that came to mind was a night by myself in a hotel. One uninterrupted night of sleep on crisp, clean sheets without crumbs from someone's bedtime snack. To be able to wake up anytime after 6:30 am without someone in my face asking me 10 times in 15 seconds "can we go downstairs now". To listen to the hustle and bustle of the city rather than the baby I feed, clothe and diaper all day long call for her DADDY as soon as she wakes in her crib. I always let her stay a little longer when she does that. To lay in bed as long as I like and then get up and have a quiet cup of coffee without three little people demanding three different breakfasts all at once all the while negotiating with me about how nutritious the meal has to be.

But then last night I went to bed wondering what I might want if Henry asked me that same question 10 years from now. I think I will long for the nights when little boys climb in my bed in the middle of the night just to be close to their mother; their warm little bodies pressed right up against me. To wake up to a little face ready to kiss me despite my stinky breath. I will miss them tugging at me to get out of bed while updating me every time the clock changes by a minute because someday they will likely prefer me to stay upstairs. Soon my baby girl will be too big for her crib and I will miss the days of her little face so happy to see me (even if I'm not daddy) so I can rescue her and she can be a part of the morning frenzy.

So this Mother's Day I will remind myself to relish it ALL because it will go by in a flash. I will know that I am needed and that feels good. I will remind myself that I am good at my job and someday they will appreciate that. I will be ever so grateful that I am a mother of three beautiful, healthy children with lights in them so bright that they help to keep mine shining.