How do you define “love”? In this month of Valentine’s Day, I think that’s a fair question. While considering my answer, though, I realize just how much of a transition my definition has gone through.
So here is the progression of my definition of love:
Pre-Kids, love is:
* Pretending you like ( insert food, sport, pastime here ).
* Smiling when you meet his crazy Uncle Bob. And ignoring how many times Uncle Bob gives you that creepy look.
* Agreeing, ahead of time, that you’ll “get a headache” so you and he can go home early (wink, wink).
* Trying not to cringe every time he wears that ( insert item of clothing here ). But secretly knowing it’s about to go the route of that other sock.
* Trying a new recipe, gagging, throwing it out and laughing together through the bowl of cereal that’s now your dinner.
* Thinking having kids is going to be all sweetness and light.
Once the kids arrive, love is:
* Being able to tie your own shoes again.
* Not having to go to the bathroom every three seconds any more. Meaning being able to do an errand without having to map out where every bathroom is along your route.
* A shower. Any shower. Any day. Any time of the day. Preferably with some hot water, but you’re no longer that picky. . . or that hopeful.
* Enough diapers to make it through the day.
* Take-out anything. From anywhere.
* A half an hour of uninterrupted sleep.
* A babysitter. Even if it’s your Mother-in Law. Even if she shows up an hour late.
When the kids are no longer babies, love is:
* Beating your head against the wall . . . I mean serving dinner every night knowing they’re going to cry, and knowing you’re going to try again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day . . .
* Knowing you have to do the right thing because, well, damn it, they’re watching.
* Pretending to be happy on the days when school gets canceled.
* When your son (who’s bravely getting stitches) tries to comfort you (because you can’t stop crying).
* Those few and far between moments when they’re not arguing with you. Which, you realize, corresponds with those moments when they’re sleeping.
* Peeking out the front curtain till you see them come home at night. Then, feeling like a naughty child, jumping in bed and pretending to be asleep.
* Crying when that first college acceptance letter comes in.
* Telling them, with a straight face, that you’re crying ‘cause you’re going to miss them so much . . .
❤ Happy Valentine’s Day ❤
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