Early Valentine’s morning, I awoke to the movement of my covers and a warm body sliding in next to mine.  “I’m sleepy, Mama,” my four year old son whispered as he rested his head on my pillow and sandwiched his stuffed puppy between us.  I pulled the comforter up to his chin and kissed his forehead before closing my eyes and drifting back to sleep.  Moments like this make me love being a single mom, in the midst of all the moments when I hate it.

Being a single parent isn’t easy.  Without a husband, it is my job to wear all of the hats of parenting – at once.  More than just working, cooking and cleaning it is my sole responsibility to teach, play, discipline, protect, nurture and guide my children.  Thankfully, I have a lot of supportive grandparents, aunts & uncles and friends that have helped me in the process of “winging it” and making this parenting thing happen.  I know I am fortunate to have them and take my hat off to all of the parents out there that truly go it alone.

The bright side of being a single mom is that I don’t have to share any of their attention. At four AM there is no other place that my son wants to be than right by my side.  My little girl curls up under my blanket to watch Olympic figure skating with just me.  They both decorate Valentine’s cards and sugar cookies for Mama.  I get all of the hugs, kisses and I love you’s in our house and that is just fine with me. 

We are a tight little unit, my tiny family of three.  Someday we will grow, but for now I am reminding myself how special my life really is.