Time for another confession. A momaholic sure is better than other “aholics” right. But what if you felt like in your younger years you weren’t as much of a momaholic as you wish you would have been. What do I wish I knew at 38 that I didn’t realize when I was 20 when I had my daughter? What are the lessons I learned? The things I would have changed looking back now? Where do I begin?
Cute as all heck at 3 years old…I could never get mad at this little angel.
I remember the nights we were cuddled up in her little bed reading some of her favorite books… Goodnight Moon, Guess How Much I Love You, Strega Nona and other classics. Those moments were so sweet. But they ended at some point as she got older. I wish I would have crawled into bed with her and read the Harry Potter series or the Twilight series when she was. Even though she was a “big girl”, those little moments were memories I missed out on.
I wish I gave more hugs. I think I missed many hugs growing up, so I wasn’t sure how to give those a lot. Not that I didn’t, but as she grew older and could voice her feelings, I realized just how much she loved hugs. Kids really really do.
I was a military wife (Marine Corps for 6 years) this was our little pup Fluffy, but we had to give him away when we were re-stationed.
I wish I took more pictures. OK, sure I didn’t have my fancy Canon camera like I do now and back then there was no such thing as digital photography to keep your photos safe. I was young, so I really didn’t know/think about just how very much “captured” moments would have meant to me now that she will be off to college in the Fall.
I wish I mad more memories, took more vacations, went to the park more. Again not that we didn’t, but between the ages of 20-26 I really was focused on trying to finish college and build a better life for her. Not thinking, a better life isn’t all about the money/future career.
Such the fashionista she is now. That girl can rock an outfit I tell ya. FYI, I want her legs 
I remember when 9/11 happened and we were driving through NY she said “mommy how will I know that we are in NY now”? I had always pointed out the twin towers to her whenever we drove through there. She got used to associating arriving in NY with the towers, as we all did. I wish I would have jotted down more of those funny/cute and memorable things she said in a journal
I wish I would have video recorded. There is a little clip of her leaving a message for her grandma “mema” on her grandma’s answering machine. I cry every time I listen to it. For no other reason than to hear my daughter’s “baby” voice. I can’t even type this now without getting teary eyed.
Listen lovelies. We all want successful careers. To make our children proud. What I have learned is that they are proud just being able to call you “mom”. Honestly knowing that at the end of the day they have you to come home to. You to call when they are sad. You to lean on with your shoulder when they need to cry. Losing my mom to cancer at 14 has impacted me forever. I wish she was here. I wish she knew how much she is missed. How I wish I had asked her more questions, made more memories.
Our babies won’t be babies forever. Cherish every moment with them. The best times I have with my daughter is when we are being just plain silly. A laugh is worth a 1,000 words. Make them happen everyday. As she prepares to spread her wings and fly, I realize just how much I don’t want to let my little birdie go.
Us a few years back at Christmas
January 20, 2012
I can guarantee your daughter will always know a mother’s love.
January 26, 2012
Thanks Shiori!
January 20, 2012
This post is sooo sweeet…and your daughter is beautiful! My girls are 5 and 7 and recently I’ve been trying to keep this exact sentiment in mind…thanks for the reminder
January 26, 2012
I think we always need reminders once a while when it comes to family values because of the go-go-go society we live in XO
January 20, 2012
such a sweet post!
January 26, 2012
Thanks love!
January 20, 2012
I love that you wrote this. Your daughter will appreciate that you love her so much to write this post. My own daughter just graduated and moved to another city. It’s so great watching her start her new life. The times that are coming for you and your daughter will be the best ever. They never stop needing your hugs.
January 26, 2012
Thanks you for the kind words Ellie XO
January 21, 2012
Such a sweet post, Sandra! Your daughter is absolutely beautiful! As my children grow older I’ve had those same thoughts.
January 26, 2012
Thank you Brandi, this is a good reminder of what we all need to do as they grow up! XO
January 21, 2012
Love this blog post!!! I have a 6 year old and even though she is still young, I’m completly heart broken every morning when she’s away full time at school for kindergarten. We both miss having mommy/daughter time like when we were both home. I wish everyday that I did more when we had all that time together. Now our spare time is spent a few hours each evening rushing through homework, dinner and showers and off the bed. ;( I miss picnics at the park, cuddle time, hanging out at the library, and yes even going to the groceries and asking for the free cookie. ;(
January 26, 2012
It’s always a rush Stephanie, and I do have to always make “mommy daughter time” XO
January 21, 2012
Your daughters beautiful Sandra. I think we all feel the same way. It’s true with age comes wisdom. I bet your daughter thinks no one could have had a better mom than she did though. What a beautiful young lady she is.
Have a fun weekend…Tracy @ Cotton Pickin Cute
January 26, 2012
Oh thanks Tracy, after she read the post, she made me feel good
XO
January 28, 2012
I am starting to feel that we are living somewhat parallel paths here, from our ages, to the age that we had our first child… I SO relate to this. Literally, I have admonished myself for the exact same things… The why didn’t I do more, or why didn’t I do less – in some cases. For me, it’s remember how she sang a particular song, how her voice sounded. My son too. Oyy, mommy guilt can really get ya. Your daughter is stunning, by the way.
February 2, 2012
Heather, I’m telling you we should party together LOL. No on the serious note, this confession was just from the heart. It really is my special place on my blog to just be human and just share what’s in my heart. The week I wrote this post, this topic was weighing on my heart. It’s never to late to start fixing the “wish I had done” syndrome we all face as moms. This was just a little not to the moms that still have little ones at home (my baby leaves in the Fall to college) Thank you for the comment about her by the way. That was sweet of you. Hope you are doing well and feeling good
XO
February 1, 2012
Oh my goodness this post is awesome.
February 2, 2012
Aw Jean thank you so much