Saying yes: a follow-up

I'm taking a quick break from the trip posts because I don't have the emotional strength to take on day four. It's gonna be a doozie.

So in the meantime...

For the last several years, I've worked hard on being a mom who says "yes." This doesn't mean Madeline always gets her way but rather I say "yes" to making memories even if it means making a mess, an incomplete to-do list or dirty house at the end of the day.

This goal has only been harder to meet since having Caleb. Many, many times my postpartum self did not want to get up off the couch to play tag in the yard. My tired body wanted to turn on a Disney movie and sleep instead of walking to the park.

But over and over, I forced myself to get on the floor and play princess with her, read that mind-numbing "Dora the Explorer" book for the 20th times and to be very much present with her. I want her childhood to be filled games, books, painting and fun.

So you can imagine how happy I was when I arrived at her school's Mother's Day Tea and saw her portrait of me.

I'm not concerned about the size of my lips. (Even if I think these lips would make Taylor Armstrong's appear small in comparison.)

No, it was this part:

If you're wondering what some of the other answers were, Madeline's best friend Blake chose to answer the question with "My mom always says I love you." What you are hearing is the collective "awwwwww" that just filled the blogosphere.

My kid answered, "My mom always says no."

So...yeah. No words. I have no words. I'm capable of writing 2000 word posts but I don't know what else to say for this one.

But Madeline? For the record, I'm 29. Love you too, baby. 

Love. You. Too.