“Okay, be very careful with that. It’s Mommy’s present,” I instruct our son, Finn, since he’s insisted on carrying your gift. It’s a handmade ceramic plate that him and our daughter, Calliope, made. It was hard enough to get a 5 year old and a 3 year old to sit and paint it, I couldn’t imagine if he somehow ruined it.

I’m carrying your coffee and some balloons while Callie holds a bouquet of flowers. We’re quiet as we all make our way down the hall, but I still have to occasionally turn around to shush them since their giggles are too loud.

When we reach the door, I grab the handle and push it open. I know you’re already awake, since you woke up with me and I gave you your first 3 mother’s day presents… But you put on an act as we creep inside, laying with your eyes closed as if you’re asleep.

“Happy Mama day!” Finn screams as he scurries into the room, definitely not handling the plate with care. Callie tries to mimic his words, but it comes out all wrong. You sit up with a large smile already on your face. “Look! Look, Mama! Look what we’s made you!”

I watch it happen in slow motion. Finn holds the plate out to show you the finger-painted designs, and it slips from his hands. Straight. Onto. The floor. Obviously, it shatters with a loud bang. There goes that.

I’m quick on my feet to set the stuff I was holding down and toss both kids on the bed with you so they don’t step on the shards. Callie’s crying from the loud noise, and Finn looks confused on what just happened. They both cradle into your side as I clean up the mess.

“What happen?” Finn asks you, wide eyes staring up at you. “I didn’t means to break it, mama.” And here comes his waterworks.

Now, you have two crying children to comfort on your day. Definitely not the way I saw this going.

I toss the mess in the trash and walk back over to the bed, sitting on the edge. You stare up at me, clearly holding back laughter despite the situation. I smirk down at you too, bending over to press a kiss on the crown of your head.

“Happy mother’s day, baby.”