Happy Mother's Day!

An empty nest

I knew this day was coming. I was dreading it. I feel a sense of sadness mingled with pride and admiration.

My baby birds are gone.

Yesterday morning two of them were toddling on the edge of the nest. I could see them contemplating if this was the day to spread their wings. Apparently their third sibling had an independent streak because he or she was already gone. Clint said they would be leaving that day. I secretly hoped they would stay – just a few more days. I’d so enjoyed our time together, peering through the windows to catch a glimpse of their tiny heads and hungry beaks.

By the afternoon, they had ventured from the nest and were perched amid the Confederate Jasmine on the front porch. You had to look hard to even see them. They were probably thinking, “OK, we made it this far. I think we can do it. I think we can fly.” (I thought it was neat how they stuck together, giving each other moral support.)

In the time it took me to go upstairs and put in a load of laundry, they were gone.

I couldn’t help but note the irony: the birds had left the day before Mother’s Day. I wondered if the mother bird was sitting in a tree top watching her babies take flight and feeling proud of the job she had done. She had perfectly fulfilled the role nature had for her as a mother. Would I do the same with my daughter?

Just as my little birds flew away while I was loading laundry, I have no doubt one minute I’ll be loading the washer with tiny socks and bibs and in the next instant washing armloads of clothing dropped on the laundry room floor during a visit home from college.

What matters is what I do in those moments between. The responsibility of parenthood has not been lost on me these last three months. It is an awesome task, one to be cherished, celebrated and feared.

Clint and I often study Katherine, as I’m sure most parents do, and wonder where life will take her. Will she be a doctor, an artist, a politician, a writer, a lawyer, an engineer, a chemist? We’ll do our very best to mold her into the best person we can. In fact,our job isn’t so different from that mother bird’s: to nurture our children, teach them how to fly and then step aside.

Improve or escape?

Yesterday my friend Shelia called posing a tricky Mother's Day question. When it comes to Mother's Day gifts, which is better: a gift that lets you escape motherhood (spa, manicure, passport and plane ticket to another country) or a gift that makes life as a mom easier (cleaning service, closet organizers, wife)?

My first instinct was to say "escape!" I mean, what new mommy doesn't need a break?

Shelia said she was on the fence about this one. After some more discussion and thought, I see this is a tough one. Certainly, items that make the job of Mom a little easier are great. In fact, I already have a lawn service and get my meals from Dream Dinners. I'm kicking around the idea of having someone clean my house a couple times a month. I'm actually trying to eliminate all domestic duties from my life, so any gift that furthers that goal is perfect.

But, on the other hand, a break from motherhood certainly benefits a Mom's sanity.

Seems to me the only solution is two gifts! Share your thoughts ...

Baby bird update

My baby birds are growing fast. I finally discoverd there are indeed three birds in the nest. I have no idea how they all fit. I managed to snap this new photo. One downside to having a bird nest on your porch - lots of bird poo.

Kate is 3 months old

Hard to believe Katherine turned 3 months old last Friday. She is really growing and doing a great job of holding up her head. See more pictures here.

My own animal planet

Our front porch is covered with Confederate Jasmine - the perfect place for a bird's nest.

A few weeks ago we noticed a mother bird had built a small nest in the Jasmine growing on the column next to our front door. I have been monitoring the progress each day.

Last weekend, while working in the yard, I grabbed the step ladder and climbed up to peer into the nest. Baby birds!

This weekend they are big enough to pop their fuzzy little heads (I think there are two) out of the nest. I managed to capture this picture. It's not too clear but you can tell we have a bird family living at our house.

I really hope I'm home when they attempt to leave the nest.

Birthday celebration

Here we are at my birthday dinner -- my first birthday as a Mom!

40 - it's just out there!

Well, here I am: turning a ripe ol' 32 years old today. I was trying to let this one slide by quietly but have to admit I do appreciate all the warm wishes and my fabulous family and friends. My dear friend Tiffany posted such a sweet item about me on her blog.

Yes, I'll be 40 in a mere eight years, but I have to acknowledge all the wonderful things in my life and feel I have accomplished a great deal in my 32 years. Who knows where I'll be or what I'll be doing when I hit the big 4-0 but I feel certain I'll be counting my many blessings.