The Dichotomy of Motherhood

Picture this: An incredibly cute yet incredibly loud short person spending most of his waking hours yelling, "Train, Mama" or, "Cookie, Mama", or "Down, Mama", or "Up Mama" pretty much constantly. This has been my Christmas Vacation.

However, between the yelling I've been given sweet kisses and hugs, the smell of baby shampoo, new words and new dance moves, and a Christmas morning filled with awe and delight.

I am a mother, and I am grateful.

No Thanks Mom.

I am amazed by how simple life could be, if only we were all toddlers. My son was eating dinner last night. He decided to try some turkey. He didn't like it. He spit it out in my hand. Done and done. No need to complain about the taste, no need to later say, "Can you believe what mommy served for dinner? What was she thinking?"

Of course, I don't especially like holding my son's half-chewed dinner in my hand, but I can appreciate his sentiment.

Tuning Out

My husband can tune anything out. I'm convinced that an atom bomb can go off in our back yard and, if his mind is elsewhere, he will not notice. This morning we were on our way to work and our son was crying in the back. Not only did he not hear him, he also did not hear my repeated asking, "Do you know where his cup is?" I literally asked this three times. It's not like we drive an enormous car and I was whispering from the back seat. We drive a Honda Civic! How do you get this special ability? I want it!