I learned from the best.

Here I am with my cup of warm coffee, still in my bathrobe, my hair a mess.

It is Mother's Day 2016. Despite my daughter still be three years old (for two more days), this is my fourth Mother's Day as a mom of a two legged little one. (Sorry, Digby, I'm not counting my years as a fur-mom.)

Four years ago this was my first day home as a mom. Since then, this day has always been a day of reflection over the past year of my life with a mini me. How much she has grown in the past year. How much growing I have done as I learn to be the best mom I can possibly be for her. What memories have we created since the last mother's day? What skills have I helped her learn in the past year?

It is also a day when I reflect upon my own mom and the other "moms" I've had over the years. I have been very fortunate to be influenced by so many strong women over the years.

To my own mom: Thank you for being there for me through thick and thin since I came crashing into your world and threw life as you knew it upside down. I know, by being the first, I helped you get your sea legs at this mom thing and were your little helper when Jen came along three years later. We have always been close, despite the distance between us, and I am very thankful for that. Thank you for being such an integral part of the past four years as I've learned to be a mom, too. Your presence for a day (plus) a week has meant the world to us all.

To my dear mother-in-law: It is hard to believe that I "stormed the castle" of your family over ten years ago now. I may not have started it off on the right foot (I'm pretty sure "You're a lot taller than I thought you'd be" was the first thing I said to you.). Yet, all these years later, we have developed quite the relationship surrounding our boys and, now, Bri. Thank you for raising Alan to be the man that I love so deeply and for helping to guide him through his childhood. I am very fortunate to have you to call my mom, too.

To my "Massachusetts Mommy", Mickey: I know the time flies by since we last saw each other. Yet there is not a day that goes by that I am not incredibly grateful for your love and support while I was at Northfield Mount Hermon. It is no secret that we have a special bond because of those years we spent together as you mentored me and gave me a place of refuge from the typical teenage drama. Thank you. From the very bottom of my heart.

As I embark on my fifth year with the title of "mother", thank you. The three of you helped me to be the best mom I can be for Bri. You have each influenced me greatly. I truly have learned from the best.

Our annual "Girls' Trip to New York City" self from April 2016 in front of the American Museum of Natural History