Thank You For Being a Friend

In the last couple of months I have regularly had the theme song for The Golden Girls on replay in my crowded little brain.  You know the one, "Thank you for being a friend, travelled down the road and back again, your heart is true you're a pal and a confidant."  As if this wasn't random and wacky enough, every time it bounces into my head I start to tear up.  Yup, this little ditty from a show that dates back to the mid 80's (that I haven't even seen a clip of in at least 10 years) brings me to tears every time I think of it (which is a lot).  Now I could easily blame lack of sleep or the hormones involved in breastfeeding three kids on this emotional reaction but the real reason happens to be considerably sappier but undeniably true.  And that truth is that I have never felt more loved, cared for, and supported in my life.  I have never before felt like I had so many people to be grateful for, so many pals and confidants.  And in a word, it is awesome.  Actually I need two words, it is totally awesome.  

I have these three beautiful little creatures created in my womb that look at me every day with admiration, awe, and total love.  They make me feel like the most special person on the planet.  I am married to my best friend, someone who loves me totally as I am, in spite of the fact that he is all too familiar with my many flaws.  He makes me roar with laughter every day and manages to still make me feel sexy and desired even after being up close and personal as I birthed each of our three little monsters.  My blessings continue with parents who are still happily married after 33 years, people that I can both call for advice and emotional/financial/household support but also have over for a drink, some pizza, and a lot of laughs.  My sister is not only my co-conspirator on teasing our parents and reminiscing on all things mischievous from childhood but someone I can talk with about anything under the sun and a person I admire for her creativity and zest.  

My parents and sister with my Ben

On top of all that, I have this sea of people who are not bound to be by blood or marriage vows.  This group of people actually chooses to be in my life, to expose themselves to my shenanigans and tomfoolery.  Today one of those people, a work friend from my last school, came and spent the day with me.  I treated her to diaper changes, constant relocations to chase my 2 year old, and some hearty spit-up, because nothing says friendship  like my regurgitated breastmilk all over your shirt.  Not only does Tracy regularly make the hour long drive to come see us and stays the entire day with all hands on deck but she often brings diapers too, which has become a sort of currency in this home.  Yesterday my best friend of 20 years and I got to exchange a few one syllable words on the phone between the cries and hoots of our seven collective kids.  I wish for my children the type of lifelong friendship I have with Nicole.  I hope they have someone that they trust with their darkest secrets and can show their true self even in their most vulnerable times.  Yesterday the kids and I also entertained two new friends that I made while going to mommy groups with the girls.  These women understand that a sleeping baby comes before all else and that being a mom can be a lonely job if you let it be.  

My BFF and 5 out of our 7 collective children

Since the population jump in this house almost seven months ago, I have become even more aware of the power of friendship.  I don't know if we would have survived or stayed nearly as intact without the outpouring of support.  The friends that I made from the new mom groups with Ben not only brought food over every day for almost three weeks after I had Brynn and Eme but continue to provide adult company, playmates for Ben, advice, and a group of girlfriends to feel connected with to prevent my life from being swallowed up with diaper changes, feedings, and nap schedules.  My girlfriend Maia has been my guru for all things breastfeeding and continues to make me feel awesome instead of foolish for nursing all three of my children.  My parents, my mother-in-law, and my sister-in-law have helped keep my marriage intact by being willing to take on three kids while Sean and I sneak out for drinks or the occasional meal.  My current work friends, who conveniently have recently completed their families, have been so generous in passing along their baby clothes and gear to my now well dressed and entertained little girls.  

Some of my mommy friends!

In conclusion, I am grateful.  I am so blessed and grateful for the people in my life.  If I didn't name you specifically please know that you are still appreciated and so loved.  I am extremely proud to be able to surround my children with such wonderful human beings.  Oh, and one more thing,   "if you through a party, invited everyone you ever knew, you would see the biggest gift would be from me, and the card attached would say thank you for being a friend."