Celebrating Motherhood. With Wine.

A little over two years ago, I became a mother, and my world instantly changed. Suddenly everything was better. Watching the world through my daughter's eyes made me relearn how to appreciate the bliss of the smallest things in life. A year ago almost to the day, I found out I was pregnant again (this time with a little boy). I couldn't wait for my heart to grow even bigger. Then... my daughter turned two. And less than two weeks later, I gave birth to a newborn. And, um, wow. Yes, my heart grew. Yes, I love my kids more than anything in the world. I mean, anything. But man am I exhausted. My hair usually smells like baby vomit and there is either a cheerio or the indented mark of a Lego stuck to my foot at all times. I get about four hours of broken sleep a night, and the sweet sounds of my favorite music have been replaced by the tune of newborn screams and toddler whining, in stereo. Did I mention that my husband works for a band and had to go back on the road for their winter tour two weeks after the new baby was born and is only home to help two to three days a week (pretty sure I've mentioned it quite a few times around here but we'll pretend I haven't)? What about the ten days at the beginning of this month that were completely overrun with multiple alternating child barf and phlegm filled coughing episodes, day and night - did I mention those? How about my two year old's newfound love for the words "no" and "why," always said in a (not pleasant) sing-songy voice? Or my baby's favorite recent trick that involves pooping right up his back? Should I go on?

Last week I was talking (complaining) on the phone to my mom about the less-than-wonderful parts of being a mother, and she gently (with a large grin on her face, I'm sure) reminded me that not only did I put her through the same exact thing, but that I basically had no idea what was to come when the kids hit the teenage years. Uggggh. She went on to also remind me that this was just part of motherhood, and that there was more than enough goodness involved to counteract the crappiness - and that this was why motherhood needed to be celebrated. And that gave me an idea. I told her that we were going to have an early Mother's Day celebration with the three generations of girls (my mom, me, and my daughter). I said we were going to share our war stories, tell jokes, and drink wine. We could eat all of the stereotypical pretty Mother's Day brunch goodies we wanted (give us all the fat-filled flakey croissants, please), but that this wasn't going to be your typical frilly Mother's Day celebration - we were going to get real. And so a few days later, Essley and I went to her house, and we did just that.

We had so much fun just sitting around and talking about the hilarious parts of motherhood (while my daughter ran around the house and visually reminded us of all the things that make it both blissful and exhausting), sipping on delicious Butter Chardonnay from JaM Cellars (more on that in a minute), eating, and doing Mother's Day our own way. My mom reminded me of the time when I was around Essley's age and approached a stranger in a grocery store to say to her, "my what big, beautiful breasts you have." (I am literally turning red just thinking about this. Mortifying.) There were lots more stories too, the majority of which are probably too inappropriate to share here. We sure did laugh though. Wow. And at the end of our mama hang out session, just to make the celebration complete, Essley loudly proclaimed that she had to "go to poo poo's house," then grunted and did her thing. (Can't wait to start potty training in a couple of weeks. Insert terrified face emoji.)

After we cleaned up, I gifted my mom another bottle of 2014 JaM Butter Chardonnay with a note that said, "I got you Butter for Mom's Day; after all, I'm the reason you drink." She was stoked. I can't even tell you guys how good this wine is - it basically melts in your mouth. It's rich and bold and creamy and buttery, and would pair just as perfectly with a Mother's Day dinner as it did with our croissant and strawberry brunch. For those not familiar with JaM Cellars, they use great winemaking traditions to make easy-to-love, everyday California and Napa Valley wines. "JaM" is actually short for John and Michele (how cute is that?), second-generation vintners who own and run JaM Cellars. They have a passion (and gift!) for making exceptional quality wines that everyone can enjoy. My mom and I are fans and if you like a quality 100% Chardonnay, grown in sunny California spots with just the right touch of cool from the coast, I know you will be too. I mean, we all know that  everything is just better with Butter. (Get it? Get it?) You can find Butter Chardonnay at select stores across the nation including Whole Foods, Bevmo, Total Wine & More, Kroger and HEB. Be sure to check the JaM Cellars WineFinder to find a store nearest you.

I'd love to hear your nontraditional ways to celebrate Mother's Day - with your mom and/or as a mom yourself!

Thank you for supporting the brands that help make Bubby and Bean possible. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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