When Did This Happen?

Call me Mother of the Year.

I confess that I'm pondering today. Nothing's wrong; we're all finally healthy. It's just, well, Peanut's making me think again.

This time five years ago, I was at work. I didn't love the job itself, but I did love my co-workers. They were awesome. And I was pregnant. Very pregnant. Said cohorts had thrown the baby shower, the baby pool had been set up, and the entire office was on Babywatch. And patting my sizable stomach at every chance. As I left the office for the day, one of my supervisors informed me that I couldn't come to work the next day because she had it on the baby pool and she wanted to win. I chuckled and headed off to my doctor's appointment.

Guess what? I was two centimeters dilated.

Fast forward a few hours. Boomer and I were getting ready for bed. You guessed it, it was time to haul to the hospital. Boomer, having just gotten into bed, was less than thrilled. I was completely terrified. My supervisor was thrilled. Twenty-two hours later, Peanut came screaming onto the scene and totally stole my heart.

I want to know where the five years have gone.

My baby is now a big boy and an awesome big brother. He's getting ready for Kindergarten, loves his Leapster 2, all things Cars, and helping in the kitchen. He's reached all his preschool goals and can read and write his name. He is a loving and lovable little boy.

And my heart is breaking because his world is getting bigger. He wants to try his newfound independence and I want to hold him close and never let go. So I'm taking a deep breath, unclenching my fingers, and letting go. Up to a point. Let's face it, if I'm like this when the poor kid turns five, I'm really in trouble when we hit the teenage years.

But for now, there are birthday cupcakes to be made for preschool and a party to be had. And if you see me at 8:10 tomorrow evening wiping away a tear at the idea of having a big boy instead of a little baby, I hope you'll forgive me. And join me in a cupcake. They're a Peanut special.

Call me Mother of the Year.