Mommy Finger, Baby Finger

I think most people are surprised when they ask me if I want more kids and I say, “Yes! I wish I could have another.” I think I live in a culture where most people my age don’t want kids because of their own childhood experiences or because of the challenging stories about parenting they hear about from friends and family.

Anyway, these are my reasons why I love being a mom.

Watching my little one learn, especially as she tackles harder math problems as a first-grader. She is also a very confident reader and speller who often believes she knows more than me AND her teacher. 

Her deep loud hearty laughter is the most genuine laugh I’ve ever heard.

Sharing my love for children’s books. Reading books out loud has convinced me that somewhere along the line I was probably meant to be a children’s entertainer.

Being her comforter. As much as I’ve never been a touchy person, I treasure the hugs that make everything suddenly feel better.

Seeing her personality shine through. It’s fascinating how while I’m her mommy, we have totally different interests and attitudes. I love to dance and sing around the house. She prefers movies and video games. However, I am an introvert and she is an extrovert.

She drives me crazy and I annoy her, yet the love is unconditional.

I’ve learned the value of being present and bonding. I love making up silly songs and seeing her face light up when we play video games together.

Realizing I’m a big kid at heart. We were shopping at Sam’s Club one day and I was goofing around when my little one asked, “Mom, did we bring an adult with us today?” Ouch.

Speaking Spanglish and sharing our culture. As an Afro-Latina (I’m Honduran & Salvadoran) I enjoy passing my culture to my Mexican, Cuban, Salvadoran and Honduran daughter through food, language, books and music.

Feeling like a chef. After a long day at work, nothing is more therapeutic than dancing and cooking. Then, there’s that moment when your kid says, “What are you making today?” But, the best compliment has been, “Mom, you should, like, have a restaurant.”

Being her “role model.” Recently, while answering a series of questions during a game, the question, “Who is your role model?” came up, and I was shocked when my little one said, “You are.” Awww.

Staying young. I love that at 27 I can slide down at the playground, run through the splash pad, make sock puppets, eat lots of popcorn, make chocolate chip pancakes, look forward to going to the zoo and the aquarium, sing along to Disney songs in the car, observe mice at Petco, play Adopt Me in Roblox and be so free-spirited.

Experiencing her thoughts and emotions. Feeling it all – her highs and lows – give me a sense of gratitude that she trusts me that much.

Teaching self-love at an early age. To be able to pour my love, faith, knowledge and positivity into her is a privilege.

Finding my purpose.  I was 19 when I got pregnant. Becoming a mom inspired me to be the best version of myself. That doesn’t mean I’m perfect. I swear sometimes and yell like a mad-woman. In fact, just yesterday my daughter said, “Mom, you want more kids so we can drive you more crazy?” HA! Then she said, “Just kidding. You’re not always crazy. I love you.”