Things Mamas Do:

1. Mama's take showers with tiny plastic dinosaurs because they know that "Dinosaur likes bathtime" and know its not worth the effort to remove them every time its Mama's turn to use the tub.
2. Mama's rarely get to read a Mama book, but know every single word to "Dinosaur vs Bedtime" and all of her little ones' favorite books---and doesn't even need to see the page to "read" it to a big boy who loves to hold the book himself.
3. Mamas have forgotten what its like to be alone in the bathroom. Tiny eyes peek around shower curtains when they wake up and want to snuggle. Tiny hands clap when Mama goes pee pee on the potty (even in public!). And tiny little feet sway back and forth as a little guy sits on the counter and plays with Mama's make-up brushes while she does her makeup. And little lips grin as he and his Mama brush their teeth and act silly as they get ready for bed.
4. Mamas know that big boys want to eat with forks...even if they can't keep the rice on them and would be better off with spoons.
5. Mamas don't get mad when their closets are invaded. They giggle quietly as naked little boys tap-dance across the room in bright orange patent leather ballet flats. And then they grab the camera.
6. Mamas know how to spark their little ones' imaginations with everyday items. Toilet paper rolls become trumpets, wrapping paper tubes become swords, towels become capes, balled up paper becomes snow-balls or boulders. Blankets make tents. Cushions make forts. And just about everything has a little bit of magic.
7. Mama knows that the 5 best words a child will ever hear are: "Oh baby, come to Mama!"
8. Mamas know that kisses really do make boo-boos all better and that any "owwie" can be cured with snuggles.
9. Mama isn't worried about being perfect and having an immaculate house or a perfect child. She knows that everyone grows up too soon and the best part of life is snuggling in bed with your Mama when you're little and don't know that the world can be very difficult to live in.
10. Mama feels a little bit of pain every single time she looks at her baby. Every time he smiles. Every time he hugs her. Every single time he kisses her and says "Wubz you, Mama!" Because love hurts, even the good kind, when your heart is so full that it can't hold any more at all. It hurts when you're so full of love for your little one that it literally feels like you might just rip at the seams one of these days. And even the pain feels good. Even when you feel that stinging in your eyes before your eyes well up. Even when you have the lump in your throat because you want to let the tears fall---tears of joy and love for your perfect little person.

That's what being a mama is all about.