The Ladies In My Life...

Last Sunday was Mothers Day.  The day where we celebrate our Mums, and more recently the day that I get to feel extremely proud of the fact that I am now a Mummy myself.  

I am not normally one for celebrating these manufactured days- but we don't go crazy, just a nice card and little pressie, and perhaps breakfast in bed or a bath.

This year we went out for dinner at a local pub.  My Grandparents were there, as was my Mum and Stepdad, my Sister, my Uncle and obviously our little family as well.  

I come from a very close family and as I sat there eating my roast dinner I looked around and felt incredibly thankful to have these wonderful ladies in my life.  

There's my Grandma.

 If it wasn't for my Grandparents, we wouldn't be here.  They are incredible and we are so close to them.  We see them most weeks when we go for dinner at their house, and Mads adores her 'Great Bam Bam,' and is always so excited to go and see them.  They live on a farm in the middle of nowhere and I spent my childhood jumping in the corn piles, driving on a quad bike around the farm and horse riding.

Ever since I was at university my Grandma has made me what we call 'Red Cross Parcels' where she used to send me essentials like ketchup, pasta, and toilet roll when I was a poor student.  It has become a tradition and even now she still gives us a parcel every time we see her- although it has progressed to nappies, wine and chocolate!  

They have always been there for me, have bailed me out more times than I care to think about, and I couldn't adore them anymore.  To see the relationship they have with Mads sometimes could move me to tears and I know I am incredibly lucky to have them in my life, and have the opportunity to watch them bond with my daughters.

Then there's my Mum.

 I have written about her before.  She quite simply is the best person I know.  She is so incredibly selfless, would do anything for anyone and has a heart of gold.  Growing up, I was so close to her, we were best friends and we still are.  Of course we argued, and she still drives me mad sometimes- she gives Mads chocolate at half eight in the morning and she is never off her mobile phone.  But I love her with all of my heart.  She has always put myself and my sister first and if I can be even half of the Mummy she is to my daughters then I will be one hell of a Mum.  

Watching her with my daughters is wonderful.  'Bam Bam' is Mads absolute favourite person in the world.  Not only is she the best Mum, she is also the best Grandma.  

There's also my sister.  

She is ten years younger than me, but one of my closest friends.  We share the same sense of humour and I can guarantee to laugh when Annie is around.  We fight like cat and dog, but she is an amazing Auntie to my little ladies and I love her to bits.

And finally there's my girls.  My daughters.  

The ones who made me a Mama.  My infectious, giggly little Mads- who makes me laugh, makes me cry and makes me proud every single day.  And my new little lady, my beautiful newborn girl, who at four weeks feels like she has been here forever.  Who is still at the curled up stage and who already loves to be snuggled up tight with her Mummy.  And who just somehow managed to fit right in with us from day one.  It is a delight and a complete privilege to watch them grow and become who they were meant to be.

We may not be a perfect family.  We have our disagreements and sometimes they drive me mad. But I am thankful for the ladies in my life every single day.  Not just on Mothers Day.