15 years ago Zach came flying into this world and I do mean FLYING! He was anxious to be born. He tried to come 10 weeks early but we kept him cooking another five weeks…he was five weeks early. He was done being in the womb. Watch out world, here comes Zach! From the second he was born he made sure I, and the world, never forgot about him. He screamed, he fussed, he made noise – constantly. He still makes sure I don’t forget about him. He is loud. He is crazy. He is also a delightful and loving young man. I couldn’t be more in awe of him as he grows up.

A few years ago I wrote little books for all of the kids. I started with Zach’s book because I embarrassed him in front of his friends and it got me thinking. He needed to know, in no uncertain terms, I was not like other mothers. I even titled the book “I Am NOT Like Other Mother’s” and here is what I wrote…

I am not like other mothers as you plainly see –
And with that you must agree

Sometimes I am a goof, shooting through the roof.

Sometimes I am a clown and nothing can get me down.

Sometimes I am kooky and that can be quite spooky.
But all of this is OK with me!

I am not like other mothers, as everybody knows.
I like to dance and skip and prance.
I keep you on your toes.

I am not like other mothers as Dad can surely tell.
But I am pretty sure he thinks I am just plain swell.

I am not like other mothers as you have seen yourself.
I have chased you around.
Tickled you ’til you fell down.
And I’m OK with that myself.

I am not like other mothers.
I made it my job to embarrass you in front of others.

I like to have fun and run and play around.
I have been told I am quite a clown.

But I am not like other mothers because of one big reason.
YOU!
I was chosen to be your mother through all of your growing seasons.

I am not like other mothers because I am the luckiest mom of all.
You have been the light of my life since you were very small.

I am not like other mothers for all those other reasons, too.
But I am not like other mothers because I have YOU!

I am happy to say I am still not like other mothers. I like it this way. I will continue to not be like other mothers for the love of my children…

Happy 15th Birthday, Zach!