Why We Love Being a Mom

"Michael has forced me to pay attention to little happenings I once ignored. Now I cherish watching the snow fall, spotting airplanes in the sky, sledding down a hill, and observing birds at the feeder." -- Molly Feenstra, Grand Haven, MI

"I love the way my kids have reminded me what is so wonderful about life. It's not just a walk to the grocery store; it's a treasure hunt. It's not just popping in a video; it's hosting a full-fledged movie night. It's not just baking a cake to satiate a sweet tooth; it suddenly becomes the best un-birthday cake ever made!" -- Wendy Gillespie, Goleta, CA

"One day, as I was rushing off to give a seminar about the importance of family connections, my 6-year-old daughter said, 'Mama, can we sit in the rocking chair and snuggle?' I looked at my watch and my first thought was, 'I don't have time!' But then the irony of not taking a moment to honor her request for connection hit me, and I smiled. 'Of course, sweetie.' We rocked for a couple of minutes, just looking at each other and smiling." -- Denise Roy, Santa Clara, CA

"I enjoy the guilty pleasures -- watching Oprah while nursing, wearing pajamas all morning, never changing my watch batteries, eating the crusts from grilled cheese sandwiches. As a mother, I have relaxed into my life." -- Sara Woods, Annapolis, MD