Mommy Paychecks

Being a stay at home mom (for the most part I still claim that), you don't get paid. You don't get health insurance. You don't get dental insurance. There is no retirement plan. There is no time off or vacation days. You don't even get sick days. Who would want this job? Me! Because let me tell you. There is something way better involved here. They are what I call "Mommy Paychecks".
They are the flutters you feel as life begins to form in your tummy. They are the strong karate moves you feel as your pregnancy develops. They are that first cry you hear. They are the very first smile you see out of your newborn who's not so 'new' anymore. They are the sweet sound of that first laugh....and many more to come. They are the gentle sound that your child makes when she is sleeping. They are the warm feeling that comes over you as you hear the word "Mama" for the first time and as you hear the word "Mommy" over and over again. They are the shrieks of excitent as she discovers something fun, new, and exciting. They are the look you see as her eyes widen at the sight of an elephant for the first time. Or a butterfly. Then as she gets older, they are the "I love you's" you hear each night, no matter how routine and out of habit it might be. They are the feel of little arms wrapped around your neck as tight as can be. They are the feel of those first slobbery open-mouth kisses to the feel of the kiss you get everyday for no reason as she ages. Then, as she gets even older, they are the compliments you receive for no reason. The "I like your shirt" or the "you are so beautiful today". They are the feel of little hands wrapped tightly around your finger as you walk across a parking lot. They are the sweet made-up songs and stories about nothing that comes out of her mouth. They are the sweet cuddles when she's sick that you get to experience. They are the unexpected random acts of love and kindness that no one but your child can give you on a daily basis. They are the laughs, the cries, the busted lips, the shrieks and screams, the hugs, the kisses, the prayers, the love that grows and grows for your child. That's a Mommy Paycheck. I would take all of that over any amount of money in the world.