Sharing

There are plenty of differences in the way Mate and I interact with the girls.  However, this weekend, one of those differences was highlighted by Mia.  She says "mom" when she wants something from me.  "Mom" can mean pick me up, blow bubbles, read a book, give me a snack, etc.  Recently, if she really wants something from someone other than me, she'll look at them and say "mom".  While I'm sure her misuse of the word will only last a short time, I can't help but be encouraged that she knows "mom" and having her needs met are synonymous. 

This weekend, after giving the girls a snack, Mate grabbed a peach and I had an apple.  He was on the couch and Mia went right over to him, expecting to share.  Unfortunately for Mia, Mate didn't share.  Not because he is selfish or uncaring, but simply because she had just had a snack and now he was having one.  She looked at him and firmly said, "mom".  It didn't work.  I quickly called her and her sister over to me and proceeded to share my apple with them. 

This is the difference between moms and dads (at least in our house).  Maybe it's because, as moms,  we share ourselves with our children from the moment they're conceived or perhaps it's just plain old nurturing, but nothing is just mine anymore.  My time, my personal space, my food, my heart...it all seems to belong to them.  Mate has given up a lot for the girls, loves them just as much as I do and parents with the right amount of fun and structure, but I'll always be more sensitive and I'll always share (and I think that's okay).