Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers in my life!

To name just a few:

My own mother -- for showing me how to be a mother, for laughing with me, for loving with me when I'm probably not all that loveable (it's hard to believe, but I have my moments), for all the long talks, for her wisdom, for giving me boosts of confidence when I need it most, for always being in my corner, for believing in me when I don't believe in myself, for being my friend, for being a good sport, for loving my children so deeply.

My mother-in-law -- for raising a man who treats women well and loves me so well, for raising a man who became the best partner and father I could ask for, for welcoming me into her family with open arms, for her generosity, for her encouragement, for her thoughtfulness, and for being such a loving grandma.

(My children are so lucky to have grandmothers who connect with them and love them so well even from a distance; even though we don't see either of you often enough, you are such important presences in my children's lives. And Suzannah talks about you both all the time.)

My doula, Patti Ramos, and midwife, Nancy Spencer -- for "mothering" me throughout my pregnancy and labor, and for helping to make my journey into motherhood such an empowering, beautiful, loving experience.

My mother friends, who are such an important part of my life, who offer their support, their laughter, their camaraderie, their stories, their understanding, and their friendship. If I had a few extra arms and a few extra hours, I would write to each one of you, but since I'm writing this with a three-year-old bouncing around my keyboard and we're about ready to do bedtime, please just know that I deeply, deeply appreciate you. If we've ever met for coffee, if we've ever had play dates, if we've texted each other, if we've sent Facebook messages or e-mails in moments of desperation, if we've commiserated, if we've shared birth stories, if we've swapped tips -- it's all kept me a little saner than I might otherwise be.

And to everyone who has loved my children, whether you have children or not, you should know that that is the best way you could ever love me. If you've been important in the lives of my children, you are so important to me, and on this Mother's Day, this mama is grateful to you.