Name Change

I'm thinking about changing my name.

Not my formal name - Jennifer Lynn--. That name is fine. I need to change my nickname, Mom. I joked with the boys that maybe Bertha or Glinda or something fun would be better for them to call me than Mom. Let me explain.

I still remember the first time Andrew called me "MaMaMaMaMa" in his rambling infant babble. Tears brimmed in my eyes; I was both proud and touched at how quickly he was growing up. I then encouraged him to repeat those syllables all the time and applauded him each time he correctly did that. What was I thinking?

Truly, I am not sure I could count the plethora of "MOM" verbalizations in a day. I know that the number would be in the 100s.

Mom, please make me breakfast.
Mom, I need clothes for the day.
Mom, Andrew hit me with his shirt.
Mom, Where did I leave my favorite card?
Mom, I am bored.
Mom, Brendan got more snack than me.
Mom, Evan just kicked down my game.
Mom, watch this! Mom, Watch this! MOM, WATCH THIS!
Mom, you know I don't like broccoli.
Mom, Why can't I play the Wii?
Mom, I don't want to clean my room.
Mom, He (insert name) hit me!

It is mind-boggling! Below is an actual conversation that I had with the boys one day during a one minute time frame. Each piece of dialogue was prefaced with "MOM." Then, I would respond "What?"
Brendan- I just read 52 minutes today. I read the whole book of Pokemon.
Evan- These are my privates. (holding himself grinning)
Andrew- Did you know that a squirrel's life span is 10-11 years?
Brendan- Snorlax is the Pokemon that weighs the most.
Evan- I need new underwear. These are dirty.
Andrew- Help me pick up the balls outside.

Inundated with "mom" statements, I decreed that I wanted a name change. No one even flinched. "Mom, you can't do that." Aaarrgghh.

Then, at night as the boys get ready for bed, I hear this:
Mom, you are the best mom ever.
Mom, I just want to cuddle.
Mom, I love you.

Maybe I 'll keep my name after all. . .