National Mom's Day

So, Kristan is a great mom. To wit:

1. Patient. I admire and envy her ability to maintain composure and a positive attitude when the girls are frustrating. I've noticed this more as my well of patience has proven itself limited. For example, Kara really enjoys spitting her food out. Not just pushing it out of her mouth, but spraying it on whatever or whomever is in front of her. Verbal instructions to stop and covering her mouth only make her laugh about it more. This is a struggle for me, yet Kristan retains an ability to positively reinforce whatever is worth praising in these episodes.

2. Persistent. Related characteristic, but merits a separate mention because of the feeding demands of twins. Kristan has been resolute in her desire and willingness to breastfeed. As the husband of a dietitian, I'm well aware of the positive health benefits of breastfeeding, so I'm all for it. But the eating skills of the girls were slow to develop and it took determination on Kristan's part to battle through that time. The twins still are not ideal eaters but Kristan's commitment has never wavered.

3. Fun. I think the girls have a lot more fun with her than me. They struggle to calm down and rest for her, I think because they just want to play. I like watching her slide down slides with the girls. Sometimes it's clear why her ideal age is about 4 years old. :)

4. Teacher. Kristan will be a great teacher. She has a very encouraging spirit in helping the girls in all facets of their development. Their burgeoning ability to walk is the result of Kristan's effective coaching and cheerleading (in addition to the benefits of a very low center of gravity). The girls love their books, in part I'm sure because Mom is a very expressive reader and keeps their attention (plus they like giving kisses to the pictures).

5. Creative. The girls get interesting foods. They are really not appreciating baby cereal, but Kristan has prunes, apricots, mangoes, etc. all mashed up and part of each meal. These are essential to getting the girls to eat all they need to.

6. Loving. This is the most obvious aspect of Kristan's relationship with the girls. She knows them so well and appreciates them for their individual characteristics. It's clear the joy they bring to her. And it's reciprocated: the girls love their mom. Early on, during the difficult feeding era, the girls were more likely to tolerate my soothing. These days, each of them always wants to be held by Mom. And when they are crying there's no question but Mom is the remedy. It's encouraging to me to see such a bond already formed between the girls and their mom. Seeing the love they share is the most rewarding part of being a dad. Experiencing that, as well as my own love for the girls, is the best glimpse I can imagine into the heart of love that God has for His own. This is a lesson of which I constantly need to be reminded.

Of course, the girls have cut into time that Kristan and I used to have. I have to share her now. Some days I appreciate that less than others. She is the woman I love and want to spend my time with (the girls will learn this in time). It's been enlightening to see how we have grown and how God has given us one mind about creating our home.

So, hats off to this Mom. Way to go, and thank you. The girls and I are lucky indeed. I love you.