I am Mommy, hear me roar!

with laughter, mostly. Because they constantly crack me up. But, yes, I have to roar "In that corner, NOW!" or "No, Connery! Bring it here. One, two, THREE!" or "No, sir! I told you NO!" In fact, a couple of times this weekend--even once on Mother's Day [wince]--I did the swat on Kieran. Not a spanking, but that quick, get-his-attention-because- he-won't-quit-squirming-and-he's-screaming-so-loud-I-can't- think-straight swat. I think it surprised him more than anything. And it worked. He stood up straight, cried for a minute, then really listened when I talked to him about whatever led to the corner banishment in the first place. And then I felt TERRIBLE. We spend all this time teaching him not to hit Connery...well, mostly teaching Connery not to hit Kieran, but still....

This Mommy business is tough. Lord knows he's saving a special place in heaven for my own Momma. How did she EVER raise me and Kelly to keep from killing each other? And now she has FAR more patience with the boys than I do. Several times a day, I ask, Is this right? How do I...? Should I...? And I don't anticipate finding the answers anytime soon. I think Sandy and I are raising two generous, patient, inquisitive, energetic boys, and I'm extremely proud of them. But those moments when they're not so generous, patient, etc. I think, "Who is this child?!?"

But this tough business pays well. When Kieran says "Mommy, you're my best friend" or "I'll share with Connery" or when Connery says, "Oth, Mommy" (Watch, Mommy) or signs "I love you" (his version looks more like he's holding up the number three with his middle finger, ring finger and pinky)...I think "This child? He's mine, all mine."

Yesterday, Kieran held my face in his hands and said, "I want to give you a kiss." When I puckered my lips, he held his hand up and said, "No I kiss YOU." So I kept my lips still while he puckered and kissed me. Then I told him it was my turn. We went back and forth until we were smiling so much they weren't even kisses anymore.

Happy Mother's Day, indeed.