Things you love about being a parent?

[Meaplus3]

As a very proud Mother to 3 beautiful children.. I must say having my kids was by far the best thing I've done in life. The things I love most about rasing my kids are as folows:

 

1. The bonding that takes place when they are first born. Spending so much time holding them as babies.. is one of the best feelings in the world.

 

2. Watching them meet their milestones. Sitting up, crawling, taking their first step, making that ever so famous.. little "Razz". Sprouting their first hair, and watching their little teeth fall out.

 

3. Seeing them become their own little person.. and the things they come out with and say. For example: My 3 rd child is very diff from my 2 older children. Last night I said to him "Where did you come from"? His reply.. New York.. LOL. Too cute!:love:

 

4. And last but not least making the choice to be a stay at home mom for the past 11 years. I've been able to teach them.. and watch their every move since they were born. I'm sooooo glad I was able to sacrafice my personal work related interests to be a full time mother. I see the benefits of that choice coming around in full circle.

 

Now you tell me.. what do you love?

 

Mea:)

[blind_otter]

It's always a challenge and I have to be very creative. But my son is so loving and generous with his love, even though he isn't quite yet 2 years old.

 

And it's effing hilarious, too. My son cracks me up. He even has a joke that he tells already. He says "Are you a truck?" and I say, "No." and then he cracks up and rolls around on the ground laughing, or he bends over and slaps his knee while he laughs. I have no idea where he got this knee slapping thing from.

 

Also, the other day he woke up from his nap, walked out to the living room, turned on the TV and changed the channel until he found golf of all things, then sat down and watched it. I snuck into the living room and observed him doing this, he didn't see me watching him.

 

How did I give birth to a person who enjoys watching golf?

[Meaplus3]

And it's effing hilarious, too. My son cracks me up. He even has a joke that he tells already. He says "Are you a truck?" and I say, "No." and then he cracks up and rolls around on the ground laughing, or he bends over and slaps his knee while he laughs. I have no idea where he got this knee slapping thing from.

 

 

LOL B_O! The things they come out with are priceless. This is one of my favorite parts of beign a parent. Thanks for sharing.

 

Mea:)

[melodymatters]

You're right that ALL of the stages are simply fascinating and loveable !!!

 

I loved my juicy baby/toddler, I enjoyed my smart little elementary student, and now that she's 16 and a deans list student in college, she is so damn smart and funny that she is without a doubt my BEST friend !

 

We were always so close, we never had the typical teenager trauma. We know each other better than anyone else in the world and have the same exact sense of humour so we are always cracking each other up.

 

I'm so glad I had her !!!!:love:

[marlena]

We were always so close, we never had the typical teenager trauma. We know each other better than anyone else in the world and have the same exact sense of humour so we are always cracking each other up.

 

I'm so glad I had her !!!!

 

Same here. My now twenty-five year old daughter is a lawyer and was raised solely by me. Today, she is a postgraduate student in Environmental Law and being groomed for a seat in the University where she is doing her PHD.

 

She has been my pillar of support, my beacon in the dark, my pride and joy, my buddy, my source of sustenance and strength, my entire universe. We have a miraculous relationship and my world is a richer, more meaningful place simply because she is in it. She lights up a room with her smile and spreads joy and happiness to all that have the pleasure of knowing her.

 

Watching her grow into this amazing person was a rare gift that I cherish deeply and am deeply grateful for.

[Meaplus3]

I loved my juicy baby/toddler, I enjoyed my smart little elementary student, and now that she's 16 and a deans list student in college, she is so damn smart and funny that she is without a doubt my BEST friend !

 

 

That is awesome. I'm real close with my 7 year old daughter and I hope it stays that way.

 

 

Watching her grow into this amazing person was a rare gift that I cherish deeply and am deeply grateful for.

 

Watching them grow is amazing. The transformation.. from baby, to toddler, to grade school (this is as far as I'm at right now.) is so special.

 

I also find that watching them while they sleep is such a neat thing. I always look in on all my kid's at bedtime.. and to see them all cozy and comfy.. and to know they are mine..:love: Can you tell I love beign a mom?

 

Another thing I like is how things can change daily. When you have kids, it's not always predictable how each day will be. This sort of keeps it all excting.. and for me on my toes.

 

Mea:)

[bentnotbroken]

I loved the teaching process. I loved everything from potty training to teaching them to drive. Though in the middle of it all it seemed I would lose my mind:laugh:, maybe I did:o I loved teaching them the sports from skating to swimming to riding a bike and our favorite...hoops. I loved teaching them the fine art of shooting with a water gun and using water balloons to lighten the mood.

 

I grateful that I could teach that people can and do change. That mistakes don't mean the end of a dream, just a delay. Teaching them it is never to late to do the right thing or to recapture your joy. I am grateful that I could teach them you are never to old to start again and succeed and that God loves them at all times in all places.

 

But most of all I love that they have taught me to live again. They have taught me that forgiveness can be given when you have wronged someone and that the responsibility of parenting does not stop when they reach 18, they still need me:love: They have taught me to love me and to love my quirks. That I don't have to be a perfect parent, I just have to be an involved parent.

 

They have become these amazing young adults who I like, I mean really like. The sarcastic sense of humor, the ability to laugh at the most insignificant things. And they love each other and support each other. If God calls me home today, I know without a doubt, they will stick with each other out of love, not obligation. Thank you God and thank you for this thread Mea.

[marlena]

That I don't have to be a perfect parent, I just have to be an involved parent.

 

 

+1 I like this!!

[blind_otter]

Though in the middle of it all it seemed I would lose my mind:laugh:, maybe I did:o

 

Haha, I agree. At some point you lose your mind, but it's OK if you just let it go. I'm hoping that my mind will come back to me some day.

[Meaplus3]

I loved the teaching process. I loved everything from potty training to teaching them to drive. Though in the middle of it all it seemed I would lose my mind:laugh:, maybe I did:o I loved teaching them the sports from skating to swimming to riding a bike and our favorite...hoops. I loved teaching them the fine art of shooting with a water gun and using water balloons to lighten the mood

.

 

 

Yes, Yes! Teaching them is amazing. To know that as a parent you are instilling your values in them.. is such a great feeling. And watching them learn simply amazes me. Both of my older kids since kindergarten have been straight A kids. And my second grade daughter is reading at a 5th grade level.. and why is that? because I took the time to teach her. Not some god forsaken nanny or hired helper it was all me. As for the mind, I can relate. Mine is probably half gone too.

 

But most of all I love that they have taught me to live again. They have taught me that forgiveness can be given when you have wronged someone and that the responsibility of parenting does not stop when they reach 18, they still need me:love:

 

 

I feel the same way.

 

thank you for this thread Mea.

 

 

 

Oh gosh... Your welcome.

 

Mea:)

[blind_otter]

You know...being a parent has taught me about love. I never knew anything about love before I had my son, not really.

 

I knew love to a certain point, the love of a child - one that takes, and expects something in return for their love. But when I had my son, I learned a different aspect of love. I guess what they call "unconditional love" - love that is complete, and without question, love that accepts completely and tolerates and sacrifices.

 

Lord knows you don't get any kind of return for your love of your newborn. They can barely handle learning how their bodies function, much less project any kind of feeling other than urgent need or comfort.

 

I couldn't say it's a sacrifice, though, when I give up things for my son. Even sleep, or my own personal space and body, or alone time - because even when I am annoyed and irritated, beneath it all is a deep and abiding love that makes the most difficult times bearable.

[marlena]

Mine is probably half gone too

 

 

You know, people with half a mind are much more fun and interesting to be around, don't you think, Mea? Personally, I'm proud I am "not all there.":laugh:

[Meaplus3]

You know...being a parent has taught me about love. I never knew anything about love before I had my son, not really.

 

Me too. And in a very big way.

 

You know, people with half a mind are much more fun and interesting to be around, don't you think, Mea? Personally, I'm proud I am "not all there.":laugh:

 

:lmao: I like this way of thinking! I just have to stop putting the salt and pepper in the fridge.

 

Mea:)

[marlena]

I like this way of thinking! I just have to stop putting the salt and pepper in the fridge.

 

0r the cordless phone !:laugh:

[Meaplus3]

For those who are parents.. so what else do you love about beign a parent? Keep it coming!

[bentnotbroken]

The open nature of talking. I don't keep anything from them (except when I am really low) and they tell me...even what I don't want to know. Sex is the biggest conversation and so far, thank God it has been an easy one to have. Even when I want to scream in a pillow like Steve Martin in "Bringing Down the House":laugh:.

[sally4sara]

My son is at that age where simple (to me) situations are a huge deal to him. He will come home and be in a twist over something. I can break down the issue and help him find a solution he can manage.

 

Then he thanks me and smiles.

 

That is my favorite bit.

[Meaplus3]

The open nature of talking. I don't keep anything from them (except when I am really low) and they tell me...even what I don't want to know. Sex is the biggest conversation and so far, thank God it has been an easy one to have. Even when I want to scream in a pillow like Steve Martin in "Bringing Down the House":laugh:.

 

Talking is a good thing. I enjoy that too. My kids keep me company. I'm not to the point of the birds and bees yet, and then I assume the conversations will get very interesting.

 

My son is at that age where simple (to me) situations are a huge deal to him. He will come home and be in a twist over something. I can break down the issue and help him find a solution he can manage.

 

Then he thanks me and smiles.

 

That is my favorite bit.

 

So Sweet Sally. Thanks for sharing.

 

I'll add again that I really love how each and every day can be a little diff. Like tonight my oldest has snowboard lessons.. then has to be at a basketball game by 7:30. Which means, I have to have dinner already.. in like 2 hours from now. Always a twist in the day to keep it interesting.

 

Mea:)

[fooled once]

As a very proud Mother to 3 beautiful children.. I must say having my kids was by far the best thing I've done in life. The things I love most about rasing my kids are as folows:

 

1. The bonding that takes place when they are first born. Spending so much time holding them as babies.. is one of the best feelings in the world.

 

2. Watching them meet their milestones. Sitting up, crawling, taking their first step, making that ever so famous.. little "Razz". Sprouting their first hair, and watching their little teeth fall out.

 

3. Seeing them become their own little person.. and the things they come out with and say. For example: My 3 rd child is very diff from my 2 older children. Last night I said to him "Where did you come from"? His reply.. New York.. LOL. Too cute!:love:

 

4. And last but not least making the choice to be a stay at home mom for the past 11 years. I've been able to teach them.. and watch their every move since they were born. I'm sooooo glad I was able to sacrafice my personal work related interests to be a full time mother. I see the benefits of that choice coming around in full circle.

 

Now you tell me.. what do you love?

 

Mea:)

 

I love the fact that I was blessed with a son.

 

I am so glad I had no other children. I would never have loved them like I love him.

 

I am glad his father and I divorced because my son then got to live in a home where there was happiness and laughter. We bonded so much during my 'single' days.

 

I am glad I worked his entire life. Because he was an only child, he definitely had to learn sharing Daycare was good for him, he enjoyed it and I think in many ways, he is a better kid for it (MY son was, not saying that is the case for everyone).

 

He turned 21 last week -- 21!! I love the man he has turned into and I am so proud of him. He owns his own home (bought it in September), recently bought his first car on his own (he bought one at 16, but we had to co-sign as he was underage, but the money was all his). He has roommates, which are very good friends he has lived with for the past 2 years, and they cover his entire mortgage and he pays the utilities.

 

I loved the teenage years. He had to be the easiest, most laid back teen in history.

 

I love his inquisitive mind.

 

I love that he is active and isn't a big fan of sitting around. He is always on the go.

 

I love the fact that he seems to KNOW when I am having a bad day and I get a call or text saying "Love you momma".

 

I love that he still hugs and kisses me when he sees me.

 

I love how independent he is, his compassion for others and his loving heart.

 

I love that he still lets me lecture him on things Even if he isn't listening, he pretends to

 

He is the greatest gift I ever could have gotten and I never take it for granted.

 

Hey BnB, since my son turned 18, every year at Christmas, I stuff his stocking with condoms Better to be safe than sorry LOL. The weirdest thing was when he told me what store had the best prices :laugh:

[mammax3]

Neat thread, Mea, thanks.

 

I have three little kids. My favourite part is when they all chat and play together discussing things from their day (really, they're all under 6, and it is SO cute). I love that they each have their own ideas and thoughts and understandings in those little heads that I helped create.

 

I love the warm hugs (those little arms are strong!) and sloppy kisses and soft clean hair smell. I love how they look when they are sleeping and how much it reminds me of when they were new babies. I loved being pregnant and feeling their newly made bodies squirming in mine.

 

As a surprising twist, I love how being a parent is helping me a better person. I'm more understanding and patient and I see that the people around me are just the children of other people. Being a parent has also fostered my accountability. I want to be a person who has integrity so I can know that I'm being the best role model for my kids that I can be.

[Stung]

I have always loved the things kids say. My goddaughters, who live with me part-time, and my stepdaughter have come up with some gems over the years that have kept me highly entertained. My son is 15 months old and developing quite the vocabulary right now but his pronunciation is of course not exactly perfect. When he asks Mama for his bottle, it comes out "Mama mama mama! Butt-hole! Butt-hole!" Cracks me up every time.

 

I never think I can love him more but then each day I do. I loved it when he was a newborn and could only fall asleep at the breast, and the little nursing sounds he made. I loved it when he turned into a sturdy little nine-month-old who I could swing around like a little sack of potatoes. I love now watching him learn to do new things, the way he checks with me to make sure he's doing it right with a little glance over his shoulder and a big beaming grin when I nod and clap. He's so proud to be zipping around with his little pushcart, or combing his own hair, or drinking from his sippy cup, with Mama watching. I love the unselfconsciousness of his squeaks and squeals and the way he nuzzles into me when he's sleepy.

[Meaplus3]

 

I love that he is active and isn't a big fan of sitting around. He is always on the go.

 

I love the fact that he seems to KNOW when I am having a bad day and I get a call or text saying "Love you momma".

 

I love that he still hugs and kisses me when he sees me.

 

I love how independent he is, his compassion for others and his loving heart.

 

I love that he still lets me lecture him on things Even if he isn't listening, he pretends to

 

He is the greatest gift I ever could have gotten and I never take it for granted.

 

 

Hi fooled. He sounds like a wonderful young man. That's awesome that he still hugs and kisses you. My ten year old now wipes the kises away. I think he gets embarrased.:laugh:

 

As a surprising twist, I love how being a parent is helping me a better person. I'm more understanding and patient and I see that the people around me are just the children of other people. Being a parent has also fostered my accountability. I want to be a person who has integrity so I can know that I'm being the best role model for my kids that I can be.

 

Yes. and this is such a good feeling to know that we as parents are doing the very best job that we can. I too have feel I've become a much better person since becoming a mother.

 

 

 

I never think I can love him more but then each day I do. I loved it when he was a newborn and could only fall asleep at the breast, and the little nursing sounds he made.

 

 

I miss those days. I LOVED nursing my children. The bonding was amazing and to know I was providing the only soruce of food to my baby was neat. All of my babies thrived on breast milk. I was sad when it was time to stop. but, I'm so glad I made the choice to nurse, because I feel i gave my kid's the very best start.

 

 

 

Thanks ladies for sharing your heartfelt stories. Keep them coming.

 

Mea:)

Edited February 24, 2010 by Meaplus3
To remove a word.

[Stung]

Mea, I love nursing my son too. He is 15 months old now and obviously also eats solid foods and drinks water or juice from a sippy or bottle but he still breastfeeds for both nourishment and comfort. I wasn't planning to wean until he was two but I have been experiencing pain from a physical ailment and my Dr. is suggesting that I go ahead and wean now so I can take more effective pain medication...I'm actually torn. I know most people have weaned their babies from the breast by 15 months already, and obviously I would prefer not to hurt, but I don't think either my son or myself is ready to give it up yet. Still, he doesn't make the newborn nursing sounds anymore, and I miss that already. I wish I had taken some audio at the time.

[Lizzie60]

I love my children...

 

I absolutely adore my daugther.. we are very close, we speak each day, sometimes twice a day... she gave me the two most adorable kids on the planet.. they are my ultimate adoration right now.

 

I raised an extremely intelligent girl... she travelled the world... volunteered in third world countries.. never smoked, never took drugs... she's always been independant... very strong woman.

 

She is generous, gentle, educated (Master degree), extremely beautiful...

she's just amazing.. I am sooooo proud of her.

 

My son, on the other hand.. is the opposite.. he's reserved, extremely shy... doesn't work half the time.. hardly gets out of his apartment... He smokes like a chimney.. and smoke weed all day... I suspect he has Asperger's syndrome.. it's very hard to approach him... he's very sensitive... intelligent... artistic.. good kid..

 

I would give anything for my children.. they are my life.

[Meaplus3]

Mea, I love nursing my son too. He is 15 months old now and obviously also eats solid foods and drinks water or juice from a sippy or bottle but he still breastfeeds for both nourishment and comfort. I wasn't planning to wean until he was two but I have been experiencing pain from a physical ailment and my Dr. is suggesting that I go ahead and wean now so I can take more effective pain medication...I'm actually torn. I know most people have weaned their babies from the breast by 15 months already, and obviously I would prefer not to hurt, but I don't think either my son or myself is ready to give it up yet. Still, he doesn't make the newborn nursing sounds anymore, and I miss that already. I wish I had taken some audio at the time.

 

Nursing is an amazing part of beign a mother. You know for me, when I first started it was not so easy. My first had some trouble latching on and I was ready to give up because I was afriad he would not get enough nousrishment. But, I'm glad I did not. Once we got home from the hospital and I was more relaxed.. it seems the baby could sense that..and he was going to town feeding. I know when it's time to give it up, it's tough. But think of it this way, you have given baby a most excellent start.. and if your in pain and need meds.. then by all means get him/her on reg milk (assume it's ok by now) and don't feel bad about your choice. Really.. you have done a great service to your baby.. be proud of that.

 

 

I love my children...

 

 

I would give anything for my children.. they are my life.

 

 

I feel the same way.. and it's one very powerful amazing feeling.:love:

 

Thanks to all who have shared. Would love to hear more.. so keep it coming.:bunny: