by Becky Vieira posted in Parenting

We all age. Some of us are just doing it faster than others. The physical signs of it appear more quickly and pronounced due to exhaustion and stress. This is often the case with mothers. 
Mothers age very, very quickly.
It?s become common knowledge that those who've held the office of President of the United States of America are among what appears to be the most rapid agers. Countless photo essays have compiled before and after images former presidents. And they are indeed drastically different.
Pop culture has adopted the term ?aging like a president? to define this phenomenon. You begin a journey filled with exuberance and a glow of excitement. But, over time, it wears you down. Sleepless nights. Worry. Fear and stress, everything begins to show on your face.
I say that?s something to be proud of. A badge of honor, showing the world what we?re made of and have endured. And for those of us moms who have been aging this way since our kids were born, I say we wear it with pride. 
I look different since my son was born. Older, perhaps. Definitely more tired. But I think there is a glow of love and happiness that wasn?t there before. I love it.
I'll admit, the rapid disintegration of my youth is like nothing I?ve ever witnessed. Sometimes I curse the new wrinkles on my face, or the bags under my eyes. Then I remember how I earned them. And I smile my mom-smile -- the one that now has extra crinkles around the eyes.
It?s time to embrac...