The Mommy Factor

I've enjoyed it for 11 years now.  Probably way too long actually.  But I milked it for all it was worth.

Being called "Mommy".  That's what I'm talking about.

Yes, it finally happened last week.  It was my 9 year old, actually.  Not - as I always expected- my 11 year old.  Yes, my little one.  The Baby.

It came from no where -  right in the middle of snack time.

"Mommy, is it OK if we call you 'Mom'".

And his brother shook his head in agreement.

I had been expecting to start hearing it here and there for quite some time.  I figured they would just sort of transition over time.  I never really expected them to go to college calling my 'mommy'.  But I wasn't really expecting it in a question.

"Well, of course sweet pea.  'Mom' is fine."

(I can't believe he didn't say "...and could you stop calling me 'sweet pea'!" 

I couldn't help out of curiosity to ask "Why do you want to do that?"

"Mommy just sounds...you know...babyish."

And there it was.  They are growing up.

I know one day, I won't really care what they call me as long as...they simply call.

I know that one day, I'll be lucky if I hear from them once a week.  We all grow older even if we never grow "up".  We all gravitate away from home...become independent.

My children are no exception.  I see it everyday.  Just a little bit here and there. Sometimes, (like when they want me to make a PB&J for their lunch or when they walk around with untied shoe laces or chocolate on their face) I think it isn't enough.  But, these little transitions are so bitter sweet.

I still hear "mommy" a few times everyday.  Old habits die hard as they say.  Each time I hear it  I treasure it knowing it just might be the last time...and I ponder these things in my heart.

I know it's God's perfect plan.  I will celebrate every moment of being "Mom".