Sunday, January 11, 2009

Hello My Name Is... Mama

So why is it that I just have to be a Mom everywhere I go?  And why is it that I have to somehow announce that I am a Mom everywhere I go?

It's annoying.  I know.  But most days, I just can't help it.

Being pregnant was great.  I got to wear my Mommyness everywhere, right in the front.  Pushing strollers, baby-wearing, carrying a diaper bag on a Girls Night Out (I so only did that once, maybe twice)... these are all my badges of honor.

Sometimes, I even carry my Parents magazine with the label facing right on out to the world as I walk my dog to the mailbox, lest any new neighbors catch me without my own kids.

Again, annoying.  I know.

I crave a moment away from the chaos of children bouncing all around, and yet, when I get it, I find myself observing other people's children from my quiet corner of the coffee shop/beach/car, and I can't help but miss my own tiny faces smiling back.

How easy it is to forget the meltdowns, the tantrums, the drama and refusal to eat your vegetables while away, or while the bundles sleep.

Being a Mom is what I was made for.  This much I know.  I have days I question if I have done more harm than good, days I fantasize traveling with nothing but a back pack and a wandering spirit, and days where my children downright wear me right out.  But, in the end, just before I fall asleep, I reflect on the humans I have the honor of raising, and always, ALWAYS, I smile.

Please, God, let there be more of this.  More smiling, more appreciating, and more...well, more babies even.  Because this annoying habit of mine suits me just fine, and it's all happening just.too.darn.quickly.




23 comments:

OHmommy said...

So true, Jamie.

I asked my husband for a day off today and got a couple of hours all to myself. I went to the mall and went into a number of kid's stores. I totally smiled at all the cute kids. Not my own.

LOL. I loved this post.

Jason, as himself said...

Okay, so I read this post and misunderstood it at first. You're not pregnant, right? Or are you? Or you just want to be?

katydidnot said...

hi.

are you pregnant?

i'm confused. are you?

The Girl Next Door said...

I was right with you there - up to wanting another kid. B/c at 42 with 16 YO twins, well, "that ship has sailed." But yeah, I can't wait to get away from them and then? I miss them horribly....egad.

Anonymous said...

Jaime. I loved this post. You are truely amazing with words. These are things I think, but can't quite express in the way you do. Which must be why you have a blog I read and I don't have one. : ) You are awesome. I also proudly display my Mothering Magazine all the way home from the mailbox too and I also (annoyingly, to some) give a copy of the newest Mothering to every new mother I know.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

I second the confusion.

What's up with the looking so good in the hospital bed?!

Mary said...

Expecting.....yes? no?
Precious pictures!

Burgh Baby said...

Of course you looked freakin' hawt immediately after delivering twins. OF COURSE.

(Great post, btw.)

Homegrown Tribe said...

i LOVE those pictures... precious!!!

and great post! so true!

britt

Anonymous said...

I love this post. So sweet and so true.

Lisa said...

loved this post. so true....I've never for one second regretted this identity I took on when I became a mom. have more jamie. yours are just too cute not to!

Elle Charlie said...

I don't have kids yet, but I hope this is how I feel about my role as a mother - it's something I've always wanted to be. I love that you enjoy it! So many women tell me I should be grateful I don't have kids yet - but they're all I want! I love to hear people say it's wonderful - that being a mother is all you hope it will be.

Elle Charlie said...

I don't have kids yet, but I hope this is how I feel about my role as a mother - it's something I've always wanted to be. I love that you enjoy it! So many women tell me I should be grateful I don't have kids yet - but they're all I want! I love to hear people say it's wonderful - that being a mother is all you hope it will be.

Misty said...

These pictures of your are BEAUTIFUL.

I find myself being out with only a couple of my kids, and wishing the other was there, too - - I want to take credit for what I've worked to create!

Chris said...

You captured the sentiments of being a mother so beautifully. It is who we are and it fits us wonderfully. Here's to more mommy moments!

Miss Lisa said...

I'm confused too--do you have a secret?! And how do you look so pretty after giving birth?!

Unknown said...

Jeez! Are you kidding, woman?! Not annoying at all. Adorable!

I love your super tan and blue top..gah, you looked sooooo much better than I did after my baby girls were born!

I remember one of the last times my parents had the girls overnight and I went out to be free and get toasted...that night I came home, went straight to the girls room, grabbed their blankets and slept with them all night. I missed them so bad! Every little family I saw brought tears to my eyes.

I am such a mom. WE are such MOMS!

tiarastantrums said...

gorgeous post -

gorgeous photos!

Debra Owen said...

Oh those photos too too sweet! I remember when my twins were that small. I love it. Thanks for reminding me. **Especially today**~

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

What a great post. I tell my hubby I need a day off, too...he doesn't really get it.

And, when I enjoy that time off, and go run errands, I can't help but smile at all of the other kids.

And your kiddos were big twins (or they seem like from the pictures). Good for you:)

Lindsey said...

Girl, you are so good at this mommy business. You really are. I hope you have lots more;)

Love the pictures. Your twins are, as always, precious;)

Laski said...

"wear my Mommyness"

It's like the best outfit ever . . .

Never makes you look fat. Always makes you glow. And even if drenched in dried oatmeal, boogers and tears . . . it is perfect.

Wonderful post, Jamie.

Anonymous said...

I love being a Mom and I wouldn't trade it for anything!!!

I think this is my first time to your blog, feel free to stop by and say hello at my blog as well.