My Goals As A Momma

When I was in high school and in college I was never really sure I wanted to be married OR have children. I was perfectly fine just being...I didn't feel like either was a necessity for me. With that being said I'm SO beyond happy that I got married and being a mom is my most favorite title. I would not give ANYTHING to go back to my pre-baby days.

Once I became pregnant I often wondered the type of momma I would be. My momma was an incredible role model so I hoped to be a mom like her. I often talked to Ryan about the goals I have as a mom and thankfully we are pretty much on the same page.

My goals as a mom are:

To be present - whether it is at school functions, sporting events or just everyday things like helping with homework, playing after school or simply just talking. I want to be present now and when you are grown and have moved away. I want to be there for every graduation, every accomplishment, your wedding or your babies being born. 

To be loving - I tell Dominick I love him all the time. I also smother him with hugs and kisses to the point where he will get annoyed at times because he'd rather be chasing the dogs or playing with his toys...but he also loves it. I never want him to doubt that he is loved. I also want him to know it's OKAY to be affectionate and say I love you. 

To have fun and create memories - EVERY day our house looks like a tornado ran through it. We have toys EVERYWHERE and I always tell Ryan that that means we've had a good time. I want to make forts out of blankets, have treasure hunts in the backyard or go to the park in the evening. I want to go places he will remember such as vacations, trips to Michigan (maybe even spend a week with his Gigi and Papa in the summer...if I can get the courage to send him without Ryan or I).

To show them a strong marriage - I want our babies to see that we love each other, that we support each other and that we are a team. I want them to know that it may not always be perfect and it may not be like the movies, but we do love each other 100%. I want them to find someone who will make them a better person, who will go through life's ups and downs with them, who supports them and someone who loves them more than themselves...and I hope they are that person for their spouse as well.

To be patient - just this morning Dominick was going at a snails pace eating his breakfast and I kept thinking...I wish he would hurry up. Stop talking to the dogs or playing with his food or just eat a little bit faster. I don't want to wish these moments away as I know they will be gone all too soon. I hope to be patient with them as they go through life. Sometimes I will get on Dominick and then I wonder why or I forget that he is only 11 months old. He is just a baby and a baby I will let him be...just like when he's 10...while he better not be doing the same things he's doing now, at the end of the day..he's just a kid and I hope to let him be one.

To be a teacher - and not just academically. Of course I want them to be smart and will help them academically, but I also want to teach them to be appreciative, respectful, honest, loving and to persevere. I want to teach them about the world around them and to not be closed minded. I want to teach them to be themselves and that it's okay to not follow the crowd. I want to teach them TRY to be better than average.I want to show them that no matter how much evil and bad there is in the world that there is still SO much good and to not lose hope. I want to teach you to be confident enough to pick yourself up and learn from your mistakes. I want to teach you it's okay to laugh and be silly. I want to help guide them as they find their something they're passionate about and I hope they will continue searching until they find it.

To be equal - while this doesn't really apply to me now it may in the future. My parents love my brothers and I equally...differently (because we are all different), but equally. I want that for my children. I want to be present in their lives EQUALLY. Everything will be equal as far as how many scoops or ice cream to how many books are read at bedtime to discipline and rules.

To be open - I want my children to feel like they can talk to me and to feel comfortable confiding in me. I don't want them to feel like they have to hide their feelings from me or keep secrets. I want them to tell me how they're feeling and that if they are struggling through something that they don't hold their emotions in. I hope my children know that no matter where we are or they are they can always come home.

To be their biggest fan - because if I'm not then who will be? I will be there to cheer for them at every milestone, when they win a big game or the math problem they were struggling finally makes sense. I will be there to give them a little nudge when they need it to continue working hard or cheer for them a little louder when the going gets rough. I will be there every step of the way. I WILL be there as they succeed in life.

I hope I succeed in all of these goals, I hope my children never doubt the love I have for them. I pray that they grow to be confident, strong, loving adults. I hope when they grow up that they find a person who will be their soul mate, the love of their lives and their partner through life. I dream that they will be the good the world needs and that they're successful...successful in their marriage, in their education, in their careers, as parents, as human beings. I hope they always see me as someone they can come to, whether it's to tell me their most recent crush or that they are hurting. I pray that I never take any moment with them for granted and that they do not grow up too fast. I hope when they're older they will think back and be able to remember that I was there for the school plays, parties, sporting events, mother/son (or daughter) days, vacations and just present in their lives. I hope they have good memories of their childhood. My biggest and greatest accomplishment is being a mom. My biggest and greatest goal is to be a good mom.