I’d have a pretty dumb name for my blog site if I wasn’t, don’t you think? So yes, I’m a Mom. I have three kids: wonderful, frustrating, fantastic, trying, incredible kids. There is so much I could say about all of them; of course as a Mom I could go on for hours about each one. But briefly, here they are:

TR is my oldest; at 15 he’s my claim to quite a bit of experience at this Mom stuff. He’s a big bundle of attitude crossed with loving kindness and rolled up into a bundle of nerves and noise. Being a teenager is hard, and some days he clings to childhood for dear life. Other days he’s the picture of maturity. It’s such a hard time in life; I wouldn’t go back and relive it for anything. Being the oldest, unfortunately everything with him is new ground for me. For the most part he’s patient with me though, and exceptionally good at accepting my apologies. He has some additional challenges in his life, but I’ve watched him grow more and more accepting of himself as time goes by, and I truly believe he has a wonderful future ahead of him.

Next there’s SW, my wonderful second son. He’s 12 years old now and a universe in and of himself. This is my truly exceptional child, and the biggest learning experience of my life. SW has Autism. He was diagnosed at the age of 5, and the last 7 years have been both a struggle and a series of amazing accomplishments. I have learned so many things from him. Ways to look at the world that never would have occurred to me otherwise. He has a sharp, logical way of looking at things, and a keen wit and charming sense of humor. In mothering this child, I’ve had to grow as a person, and learn a lot about balance, creativity and ingenuity just to get through the days sometimes. But I wouldn’t trade him for anything.

Finally, there’s our little surprise miracle, RM. She’ll be 10 months old next week. She is our sunshine, she’s laughter and brightness and joy. SW says, “I can be sad, then I look at her and she smiles, and I don’t feel sad anymore.” She loves her big brothers so much, her face lights up with happiness when they just walk by. And they adore her as well. It’s amazing to be blessed one more time after so many years. Watching her grow and learn and delight at everything new in the world makes it look fresh and new to all of us as well. She’s a gift to all of us in so many ways.

OK, a little sappy here, I know. But who can blame a Mom for that? And I did promise no boring, unoriginal summary about myself - but come on, this was about the kids!