Trying Hard
The children are both sick. I’m sick. It’s affecting my mothering. I’m trying hard not to suck.
EDIT: It’s later now. I’m doing better. We’ve been knocking around the house all day. Right now, Lucas and I are trying to stay quiet so Asher can sleep. ‘Cuz it is really best for everyone that Asher has a proper nap. We have played this weird laser board game with mirrors, which neither of us gets. Fortunately we took a break for lunch before the frustration level got out of hand! Lucas has read Dick and Jane stories to me. I’ve read King Aurthur stories to him. Some Playhouse Disney has been watched. (I’m not sure. I don’t recall. Steve did it. I was dead at the time!) Lucas and I have had a lovely snuggle on the couch and I don’t suck at being a mom as much now as I did this morning. Hopefully Asher will wake cheerfully instead of grumpily.
February 6, 2009 at 6:27 pm
I’m glad you’re not being too hard on yourself…A little Playhouse Disney won’t scar them for life! Plus there is an important lesson in here– Mommy’s are people, too, they get sick like people, they get grumpy like people. They don’t have to be perfect iconic characters. Letting them see you as you are gives them the confidence to be who they are , too no matter how imperfect that may be at the time.
February 6, 2009 at 6:42 pm
I think your the bestest Mommy ever and I am bringing home flowers and vodka wrapped in bacon.
February 6, 2009 at 6:56 pm
I don’t know if you TWITTER at all but one of the things/people I subscribe to is MOM HAIKU. I read your (above) post and the Haiku from today just seemed to fit. It is as follows:
February 7, 2009 at 11:14 am
And looking back at my own childhood, where my mother soldiered through and ignored her needs and then resentfully took it out on everyone (and the bottle) later, I have to agree with these statements.
Order pizza. Lay low. Blow your nose. Kiss your kids. You’re awesome and I love you.
February 7, 2009 at 1:39 pm
You are also awesome and I love you.
February 8, 2009 at 6:16 pm
It’s true. We talk a lot about our feelings in this family, and I try to explain how I’m feeling in a way that’s not blaming them. We all try to apologize if we’ve been cross with each other. I just don’t like to lose it in front of my kids.
February 8, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Thanks, baby. The vodka and tulips and bacon was just the thing.