Archive for the ‘mothers’ Category

Just call me "Pip"- August 31, 2011

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

My husband says one of the best things and one of the worst things about me is the same thing, my extreme expectations. 

My great expectations bring unbridled enthusiasm, positive energy, and well-planned attire to events.  Unfortunately, these expectations are seldom met, leading to frustrations with dream-crushing reality while being overdressed. 

The latest example came last week during Charlotte’s school picnic.  I was so psyched for this little preschool soiree! It was the first time we would get to see all the families and parents at the daycare.  They had a catered hotdog/hamburger dinner, Snocones, a dunking booth, yay!  Charlotte had on the most adorable picnicish outfit.  I donned a little summer frock after knocking off work a little early.  I was going to get pictures of Charlotte and all her baby friends in the class together at the picnic. 



Can you feel my disappointment coming?  Only one other family from Charlotte’s class came.  That was cool.  Charlotte loves Cadence and her parents are great!  But, both babies were tired.  We were there for like 15 minutes. 

Greyson said there are multiple things I failed to consider as I formed the image of this picnic paradise in my mind.

  1. It was 4:30-5:00ish when Charlotte would be taking her nap and then eating dinner. 
  2. That’s when all the babies would need naps and dinner. 
  3. Babies don’t eat hotdogs/hamburgers. 
  4. Babies can’t participate in carnival/picnic fun. 

Oh, right.  Those things are all true.  Greyson said, “Amy, how does your head not explode with the expectations you fill it with?” 

I should remember all this going into the weekend.  Sunday is Charlotte’s baby dedication at church.  (It’s like a Christening or Baptism.)  Family is coming into town and friends will be joining us.  I’m trying not to have too many expectations, but it’s hard!  Sometimes moments like this pop up, just filling my mama-brain with the possiblity of more cuteness…



This was Charlotte and Cadence at school the other day.  They had on near-matching outfits.  Eeeekkk! 
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One small step for baby. One giant leap for motherkind- August 23, 2011

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

I got to see it.  I was there for the whole thing.  It happened in an instant.  So quick, yet so momentous. Sadly, Greyson missed it.

Charlotte took her first step.  
We were in our Saturday morning Mama and Baby yoga class.  We’re in the “Movers” class after a brief stint in the “Non-Movers” class.  A few months ago Charlotte crawled over and got all up in the business of an innocent little 8 weeker who’s mother gave me the stink eye.  The teacher suggested we move up.
Saturday, among all the crawling and toddling of the Movers class, Charlotte stood up.  She’s been standing independently and cruising for awhile now, but no independent steps.  It just sort of happened that everything stopped.  All the mothers and the teacher turned to watch Charlotte.  The tension built as she stood, bouncing her knees.  Time slowed down.  It went silent.  She lifted her little size 1 foot and stepped.  
::Cheers::  ::Applause::

I squealed and clapped for my little one.  I fought back tears as I giggled at her puzzled look.  She really had no idea what she had done.  She plopped back down on her booty and I picked her up and kissed her. 



My little “walker” falling, once again on her tushy. 



One of the moms said, “See if she’ll do it again!”  I looked at her like she was insane and said, “What?!  No way.  I’m not perpetuating this.  She’s only 9 1/2 months old, it’s a little early for walking.  I mean, I’m proud of her and all, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

I got two responses. 

Some of the mothers looked at me like, “Yeah Girl, I feel you.  That’s a little early.  You could really be in for some long baby-chasing days.” 

Other mothers looked at me like I was an evil witch who couldn’t stand to see her baby grow up so I purposly stifle her progress.

Whatever.  They’re just bitter their babies aren’t as advanced as mine. 

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