Monday Mommyhood Madness - A Mother's Day Gift

My favorite mother's day gift came in an unlikely form this morning. Sure, I loved being smothered with slobbery kisses and big bear hugs. And I was touched to the core by my little man saying 'Happy Muvver's Day!' to me 1001 times yesterday. So cute! But, I got the best gift this morning from my little girl. First, I should give a little background...

We went to a Mother's Day BBQ at my grandmother's yesterday evening. We had a great time hanging out with a huge house full of moms. And the kids had a blast running around and playing. We didn't get home until waaaay past their bed time. It was 8:45 by the time we got home and everyone was exhausted. We decided to skip bath time and go right to bed. Josh and Isaac made it up the stairs first, so Josh proceeded to get Isaac in bed and started to read him his bed time stories. Ryleigh started throwing a fit because she wanted Daddy to read to HER. 'I don't want Mama!' she yelled repeatedly. We gave her the choice - she could either sit and listen to Isaac's stories or Mommy could read her a chapter in her book. Those weren't good options in Ryleigh's opinion. We tried reasoning with her: 'Well, Daddy already started reading to Isaac. Tomorrow it will be your turn to have Daddy read to you'. She continued to throw her temper tantrum in a way that only Ryleigh could do. And making me feel like the big mean, horrible, inferior story-reader and mom. I said to her as I was brushing her teeth 'awww...it's Mother's Day! Why can't Mommy read to you?' 'I don't want YOU! I just want to go to bed with no stories.' Fine. So, I put her to bed and continued about my business. Then I heard her in her room weeping so I went in to see what was the matter. She continued to go on about wanting Daddy to read to her - barely being able to keep her eyes open as she talked. I finally convinced her to let me read her a chapter in her book. She was asleep within 5 minutes after her story.

This morning I was up and in the shower before she even woke up. After I got out of the shower and got dressed she came into my room and gave me a big hug. Then she said 'Mama - I'm sorry for being mean to you yesterday on Mother's Day. I really just wanted Daddy to read to me.' awwwww...I'm so proud of her for being able to recognize that her behavior wasn't appropriate and to apologize without even being asked. Maybe I'm not doing such a bad job after all?!?!?!?! Thank you Ryleigh for the wonderful Mother's Day gift. You may not know it, but you made my day! I love you and I'm so proud of you!