So last night as all of us were sitting in the living room going over potential Mother's Day presents (what? I know what I want people), I realized what I had to do in order to be able to be celebrated this Sunday. It may sound crazy, but I had forgotten what pregnancy and labor were like with Carson. I had always heard that women forget, but I didn't think it was possible. This year I got a reminder of what I had to do right before Mother's Day. Last night I made sure to point out to Vernon everything I went through to give him kids.
But then I got to thinking that Vernon didn't need reminding.
He is not one of those men that doesn't get why labor is a big deal. Him being there through both Carson and Chandler's arrivals was something I could not do without. Even though I get very zen and just want to go into my zone during labor and not be bothered, he is there if I need anything. Including 18,000 trips to get me orange flavored crushed ice. Without a doubt I would say that our family is matriarchal and Vernon is happy to let me run the show (99% of the time). Not having to be the responsible one (he's a giant kid...in a good way), worry about bills or make decisions (unless it's something we need to decide together) works out great for him. It works out great for me too, because I am a control freak (which sometimes bites me in the butt). I didn't notice it when I was in labor with Carson, but with Chandler I noticed that Vernon became really uneasy during the most painful parts of my labor (thank you penicillin). Seeing me in pain and not being able to do anything when he was right there was really taking a toll on him. Unbeknownst to him I'm sure, this uneasiness showed me just how much he cares. Sometimes we don't tell the loved ones that surround us how much they mean to us often enough. For me, this screamed it from the rooftops. 
What's better than seeing your husband's love for you? Seeing his love for his kids. I've seen so many dads who are perfectly content with just sitting on the sidelines as mommy raises the kids. I am forever grateful that he is nothing like this. I'm not talking about the daily chores that come along with kids (he helps with those too). I'm talking about an EVERY weekend trip to get ice cream, nap cuddle sessions and shirtless wrestling matches. I know that
everyone doesn't get to have that great relationship with their dad (or either parent for that matter). Knowing that my kids will never have to worry about not having their dad in their lives (regardless of what happens to us) is extremely comforting. Sometimes I feel like I have to play catch up in an attempt to be the more awesome parent! I am fully aware that I don't tell Vernon these things nearly enough...ok never really. So I guess this is me screaming it from the rooftops? Everything isn't always rainbows and butterflies, but overall I must say we have it pretty good. It didn't just drop in our laps, we work for it every. single. day. 
