This mom thing is so much harder than I thought it would be.

Pre-children, I imagined it would be all peacefully sleeping babies, well-mannered tots (who I could take anywhere) and enthusiastic, goal-oriented teenagers.

It will come as no surprise to you that I was gobsmacked by colic and spit-up; by defiant two-, three- and four-year-olds (when do the terrible twos end, anyway?); by the number of hours I have already logged on soggy soccer fields and cold ice arenas; and by the endless amusement that fart jokes provide for little boys.

We aren't even close to the teenage years yet.

There are many upsides, of course, and one of them is the unqualified love and appreciation I have rediscovered for my own mom.

I still can't quite wrap my head around it, but she had three children under the age of three, she worked part-time as we were growing up and we each participated in no fewer than three extra-curricular activities each. These days, she never hesitates to help out with her grandchildren: babysitting, meals, pick-ups and drop-offs and more.

I know! I lucked out in the mom department, and this Sunday I'm going to throw her a parade.

Or maybe I'll take her out for brunch.

Here are a few picks for fab brunch spots on the North Shore. Call now, all are selling out fast.

Pinnacle at the Pier Hotel. I cruised in here last weekend with my boys and had one of the best bennies I've had in a long time: the eggs were so perfectly poached that with one tap of my fork the yolk ran like a lava flow, coating the crab cakes below. On Mother's Day, The Lobby restaurant is laying out a spread fit for a queen, with a buffet that includes platters of seafood and sushi, omelette and carving stations, plus breakfast favourites like cinnamon french toast, blueberry pancakes, Okanagan apple crepes and those egg bennies. The Lobby at the Pinnacle at the Pier is at 138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver; 604-973-8000.

Mother's Day Brunch at Grouse Mountain. Give Mom some scenery to chew on with her brunch. The Observatory and Altitudes Bistro are offering several seatings between them, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. As well as all the usual suspects, the massive buffet includes corned beef hash with swiss cheese, fresh seasonal seafood cakes with remoulade, resort-made free range chicken curry, carving and omelette stations. The cost, which includes the Skyride and activities on the mountain, is $45 for adults, $29 for youth and $19 for children.

Fraiche and Beachside Forno. Neither of these West Van sister restaurants is offering a special brunch for mom . . . they don't need to. Their regular weekend brunch -- especially the Pain Perdu at Fraiche or the breakfast pizza at Beachside -- will make her happy enough, if you can get a seat. At last check they were almost sold out. (Maybe you'd like to celebrate mom on Saturday?) Fraiche is at 2240 Chippendale Road, West Vancouver; 604-925-7595. Beachside Forno is at 1362 Marine Drive, West Vancouver; 604-926-3332.

Cindy's Café. This Marine Drive gem is known for generous portions of high-rise bennies and fluffy waffles. Work it off afterward with a walk on the Seawall, 1850 Marine Drive, West Vancouver; 604-925-2880.

The District Social. Go early and expect to wait. Repeated attempts to stop in for brunch have been faced with 30-45 minute waits. But I like the food and the eat local philosophy in this tiny Lower Lonsdale room, so perhaps mom will be willing to wait with you. Call it quality time. The District Social, 13 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver; 778-338-4938.

The Tomahawk. If mom has a hearty appetite, you can't go wrong at this North Van institution where Yukon-style bacon and eggs are the menu favourite. The Tomahawk Restaurant, 1550 Phillip Ave., North Vancouver; 604-988-2612.

dlancaster@nsnews.com