To My Child

Dear Addison,


I love you like crazy.  And you are exactly the kind of gal I'd love to be BFFs with.  But there's a small problem. I'm your mother.  Which means I am supposed to set boundaries, enforce rules, protect and develop your heart and give you all the tools you'll need to grow into a respectable, productive, considerate citizen who has integrity, spunk and a good sense of humor about life.  And that's a whole lot more than even the best of friends should be responsible for.  


But I've got to say, it sure felt like we were long lost buddies yesterday when I came to get you out of your crib after nap time...  you looked up, in a happily surprised way and said, "Hi Mommyyyyy!!!" like we'd just bumped into each other at the airport after ten years or so.  In that moment, I forgot all about the way you planted beans under the refrigerator before lunch and just wanted to snatch you up and go have coffee together.  Then I remembered you weren't even two yet.  You can't have caffeine.  And oh yeah, we're not buds, I'm you're mom.  Yep, it's a little scary how endearing you are. 


Don't worry, we'll soon be doing all sorts of awesome things together.  We'll paint our fingernails and get giggly in department store dressing rooms.  We might even share secrets, whisper about boys and play dress up.  At least until you're thirty or so anyway.  And I'll listen.  For as long as you want to talk.  I will tell you the truth.  And be a safe place for you to fall.  These are all important parts of a good friend, and I hope that by experiencing these things first with me you can better recognize them (or the lack thereof) in others.  


But always keep in mind that I will whip out my Mom badge faster than you can blink a blue and purple shadowed eyelid when duty calls.  I'm your mother, not your friend.  And "mother" is way more complicated.  But also way better.  It's life giver + encourager + trainer + probation officer + stylist + teacher + life coach + trusty sidekick + safety net.  Times like a zillion.  I don't even know all the ways you will need me yet...  but I do know that when you need, and even when you don't, I will be there.  


You can let friends in and out of your life.  But me?  I am officially yours forever.  And you are mine.  So let's make the best of it.  And be friends.  Plus like a zillion. 


I love you sweetest baby girl.


Mommy