Mom's Musings

The more I talk to mommies, the more I realize...it's never really going to get easier. I might get better at something, but there are always new challenges because every day you basically wake up to a NEW kid. They are learning and growing at such rapid rates. This morning, I was groggily lifted from bed by the cries of my little guy. I stumbled to the bathroom, washed hands and made some milk for him, changed his diaper, grabbed his blankie and sat with him in the rocker for a solid 20 minutes. So cute in his little Buzz Lightyear pj's...I was hoping perhaps he would want to drift off to sleep again as he so often does if his soggy diaper wakes him early. I smelled his sweet head under my chin and kissed him  at least five times on the hairline. He is sitting in my lap, but I know he will not fit there forever. I can still hold him and wrap him up in my arms. Wonderful moments of stillness and quiet before his little legs realize that they have places to go today. He very often greets me with a wave from his crib when I enter in the mornings. And I think he's trying to say "Hey there." I love moments like this morning. Half-awake hugs and cuddles are the best.
I often feel overwhelmed by how much there is to teach him. Saying "please" and "thank you." Not throwing his food off the table, how to open the door for people and look them in the eye and smile, how to share and hug and stay still long enough to get clothes on. These days, I'm in a full-blown sweat by the time I get my hair fixed, make-up on, coffee drunk, clothes on me, clothes on wiggly him, find the shoes, pack the lunch, did I remember to eat?, chase him down the hall, feed the dog, clean the tray, find my phone, find my brush (he likes to steal my stuff), keep him from eating the jewelry as I accessorize, marvel at how he approaches the computer and can get a song going before I can turn around--hopping on one foot as I strap on my sandals.
I think he can't hear me yet, or doesn't recognize his name when spoken sharply. It truly doesn't seem to phase him. I try to use it when he's climbing on a chair or about to trip over something in the floor. One of my friends said that since men aren't multi-taskers like women are, they truly can't hear while they're walking/playing/climbing. :)
How I wanted to have a lazy day with him today and just hang out. Sigh.
Somehow, every day he is fed and wearing cute clean clothes. He is hugged and kissed and made to laugh. He stares in wonder as I whistle. He flops about like a trapped crocodile when I change him. He wipes his tired eyes with lasagna-covered hands, and we splash (and SPLASH!!) and lotion up and get the "jammers" on and do it all over again.
This is a great job.