Awesome Mom Monday

I have seen this done a few times in my friend Stacy's blog, and today, well, today I know just the Mom who deserves to be recognized.

Mine.

There are many recent reasons that are coming to mind, but I want to go back quite a ways to start this out. I am an only child. I am this way not because my parents wished to stop at one, but because I was a miracle. I heard that all the time growing up, even though I can vividly remember bugging my mom for a sibling. If only I could have known then what I know now. Although I was a miracle to my parents, in reality, I'm kind of a Clomid baby. My parents were married for 1o years before I came along, and apparently went through the same kinds of testing and heartbreak that we have, but for 6 years. My Mom had to have a hysterectomy when I was still in school, and I remember knowing at that point that I would never have a brother or sister.

In high school, for quite a long time, my Mom was the Mom that everyone wanted to talk to. I had a couple of friends who would call, and it would take me 10 minutes to realize the phone was actually for me. She listened, she remembered, she cared about their lives and I heard time after time how much everyone loved her. She has always "adopted" all of my friends, and considers my best friend her second daughter.

We had some rough times in high school and on college breaks (we were too close) but as grown ups, I can honestly say that my Mom is my best friend. She has been my champion and my protector for so long, and I know that she doesn't know how to, or see any need, to stop. She still knows exactly how to take care of me, even though I am a grown woman of 30.

We hadn't told our families that we were trying to get pregnant, but as soon as we were ready to see the RE for our problems, I knew that I had to tell my Mom. Not only did I not want to have to lie, I knew she would understand. It all came pouring out (at Olive Garden, no less), the frustrations, the fear of never having children, the fact that I always "knew" I wouldn't be able to get pregnant easily. She has been the most sympathetic and understanding ear I could have imagined. I see posts on the boards about insensitive mom comments, and all I really ever got from mine was "Sweetie, the situation sucks, it isn't fair, and I am so sorry it is happening to you. I wish I could tell you something to make you feel better, but I know there are no words." Although, occasionally I do get reminded that she did it for longer :-)

During treatments, after my Lap surgery, during any period of dealing with any of this mess when I can't quite hold it together, my Mom is here. She will drop off food, stop by to let the dog out and magically our dishwasher will be empty and the laundry will be folded. When we first got married, I warned DH that my parents were "involved" and it was a situation that made all of us happy. The more my Mom gets to be my Mom, the happier she is. She worries if she doesn't feel involved. We talk approximately 10 times a day.

When we started the IVF, she was there every step to help out if she could. My two days I was on bedrest, my house has probably not been cleaner since. She even roped my Dad into vaccuuming. Now that I am pregnant, I am being spoiled rotten. Technically with OHSS, I am restricted on what I can do around the house, and with feeling exhausted all the time there is a lot that falls to DH. DH isn't always great about picking up the slack, so our house fairy is at it again.

I just want to thank her (and she's a blog reader, so I know she'll see this) for being my Mom. I truly couldn't ask for a better Mom, or a better role model now that I am on the path to motherhood myself. I love you Mom.

And now I'm crying. Damn hormones :-)

Oh and just to tack these at the bottom since they are horrible - my 6 week belly pics. I realize I'm not exactly "showing" but I want to keep the record. I think this are going to look alike for awhile!

Bare belly from the front (quite a Sunday on the couch feeling sick outfit) And from the side - in the morning, I swear, nothing, then by the end of the day? Pointy bump.