No answers. Just stories.
Edeny let out a screech of terror in her sleep. Cute Husband brought her to me, small, stark-eyed. She stared at me until I came into focus and then her face melted into a happy smile.
He dropped her into my arms and she borrowed against me, grinning, chirping, little body tucking into mine.
To mean that much to another human being is the greatest privilege of my life.
Da Momma: Elizabeth, a journalist and college instructor. Formerly a latte-slinging, cell phone-talking Washington political junkie. Now a wild-dancing accidentally offensive woman with an irrational passion for flinging things on the floor and hanging things from ceilings. Wants you to think she's a grown-up, even though she calls her Dad the minute things get complicated.
Baby Eden: The Schmoopy. My sweet little Three, who shrank instead of grew. But she's always had Momma's back.
Mary: Devoted to hermit crabs and FREAKING OUT. Made me a mother.
Karenna: Peekaboo Streak. The Roodle, Doodley. Everybody knows about Roo. Passionate about folk music. Some werewolf tendencies. Always looking for new employees. Sophisticated vocabulary
Cute Husband, Esq: A former Marine, it was he who instilled in our daughters a love of getting up very early in the morning to go off and do things. Some days he's lucky he's still alive.
Da Posse: Three friends, six years, eight kids. Because no one can ever see her own stuff. So you gotta get some friends who see yours and tell you about it. And then promptly forget it because they are easily distracted by shiny objects. Oooo. Shiny. The moms aren't in this shot. Nor three of the kids. Just use your freaking imagination.
Moonbeam and Sunbeam: Yes, okay, somehow or other they got the same sorta names as our cats, Moonlight and Sunshine. That was a total accident. However, like the cats, they are super-cuddly, will get food for themselves if hungry, and they're part of the family. Like the rest of the family, they believe in the power of liquor, drugs, and hot glue. They have no fear of blood.
The Beasties: Two cats. And some cacti that refuse to die. This is a picture of a fish we killed a long time ago. Need to update that.
thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me a window into what awaits me. this stuff is not for wimps, and the rewards, just wow. I already know I’m so blessed, and I can imagine it will get a million times more obvious in March.
I imagine I’ll look back on this time in my life in some 20 years and remember your book and blog as some of the greatest encouragement (and reality!) I was able to tap into so easily as I went from pining to amazement that it was my turn. I don’t know what any parenting preparation classes are like, but I definitely know you have done me and many others a great service with your writing. I am approaching motherhood with far more confidence and humility than fear, which is a very different place than I was in August 2008 when I read your book (3 times). And it’s only the beginning.
till this day, i’m still everything to my cheeky lil who is 6 btw.
It’s a lovely feeling, having those little hopeful faces looking at you with pure love and trust. Yes, truly what it’s all about!
Here here! Hooray for moms
Mine are 11 and 12….and when the 11 year old would rather hang out with me at work all day on a day off of school than stay home and play video games all day….a momma knows how she rates. Thanks for reminding me how very lucky I am
Yes.
Thank you.
My nearly-2 year old still does that and it is indeed such a privilege ! My hubby is jealous though
It’s the best. Just the best.
And THAT, my friend….is why I ache.
So very true!! Even as they get bigger, (2 & 4) it’s still so true.
Oh, the sweetest love of life. Nothing like being a mama.
Amen. The best feeling ever. I was snuggling with my 4 year old on the couch yesterday, and he reached up and started twirling my hair. I told him that he used to do that when I nursed him when he was a tiny baby and it made me feel SO special. He looked up at me and said, “Mommy, even when I’m at school, I’m always with you.” Melted. Totally.
4am last night, the 3 month old up again, squeaking and squawking and rustling around.
I reached over to grab him and got situated while holding him on my lap. When I looked down, he met my eyes, peered upwards, became still and let loose with an open-mouthed grin, complete with dimples.
Waking up multiple times a night might exhaust me, but those little moments sure can recharge a mama. Thanks for the reminder.
Best feeling in the world!!!
Dear little Eden: she is very lucky to have you as her mother.
I think every mother says the same thing about giving birth to a child. It is the best thing she will ever do in her life. There is no greater bond than between a mother and her child. Thankfully for the human race this is true.