My Mommy Mantras

I think it would be cool if families had 2 mommies instead of one.

You know, three parents, instead of two.

My mom left 2 days ago and yes, the extra help is nice, but it was fun to share every little cool nuance of mothering with her all day long. It doesn't work as well with playdates and mommy groups because those mommies are only interested in their own babies. Lame! I want a mommy to hang out with all day that thinks my baby is the best. Don't you???

Now, when Owen sings his ABCs all the way through or counts to 11 all by himself, I have no one to hooray with but him. This is fun, don't get me wrong, but it has it's limits. All mothers, I think, would agree that it's more fun to celebrate first coos and big poos with someone who really loves your baby, than it is to experience alone.

Plus, let's face it. The transition from one to two is...extraordinary.

My new friend Jeannie has five kids. Yes, FIVE. She said that hardest part was the transition from one to two. Thanks for the validation, Jeannie!

Two things I've learned since being a mother of two: Mothering can be a lonely business and this job ain't for wusses.

Even with two "mommies" it takes a little getting used to...I can barely write what I'm about to because it just about broke my heart in two.

The first day of my mom and I home from the hospital and on our own, the monitor never made it my bedroom the night before. My husband was sleeping in Owen's room, and my mom with me, so Andrew could get up really early and have a productive day at work. So, after Mom and I were up all night long with Sparkles, at 8:57am I woke up in a panic. The noise maker was on so Violet wouldn't wake up Owen, but that made it impossible to hear Owen. Poor baby probably woke up, yelled (for who knows how long...ouch), and fell back to sleep (from exhaustion? God, no!), because he was out for the count when I ran in there freaking out.

The second day, at 7:27am, both kids woke up at the. Exact. Same. Second. We both sat up and looked at each other like, "What do we do? Where do we start?"

The third day, we had Violet's first pediatric visit (I know that I'll get the Mother of the Year award for this one). There is a lot to be said for the man on man possibilities with two mommies with two babies. Here is an example of when even that much help goes awry.

I decided to have the doc listen to Owen's lungs, as well as check Violet, because I suspected that he may have some wheezing. So, after carefully packing up Sparkles and all of her things, and forgetting Owen's prescription entirely, we lugged our everything onto the elevator. When the doors opened on our floor, Owen ran out, and bang! The doors closed! We were on our way to another floor and Owen was abandoned in the lobby of this big office building!

I looked at my mom and the kind woman on the elevator with us (whom I suspected later had probably hit the "close doors" button instead of the "keep doors open" button, I mean, I've never seen doors close so fast! No one got off but my baby boy!), and said, "Is this really happening??!! And then yelling, "What's happening???!!!"

Thankfully, a kind man had stayed with Owen, telling him, "Your mommy will be right back."

After about a year, I made it back to the lobby and when the doors opened, I saw Owen's sweet inquiring face, "Mommy?"

Thank God.

So, now that my mom is gone, I am going through my own trials of getting in the swing of things. Our first trip out as a threesome to the UPS Store was an A+! Very pleased with the execution and organization involved. Thank you, thank you, very much!

Then on to the grocery store. I refuse to go inside anymore since the Publix at Toco Hills has curbside service. Only two Publix stores in the country and one is 3 miles away. Hell, yeah!

You order online and schedule a pick up. When you get there, you ring a bell, much like an ATM situation, and the kindest most wonderful people in the world give your kid cookies while they load up your car. Luxurious. If only I could get them to come home with me and put them all away...

So, that was easy breezy! Now, onto the park!

Total failure. All three of us were crying 7 minutes later on the way out.

So, I tried too much at once, big deal.

I'll get better. Most mommies have been here. Remember to see the humor in it. Everything will be ok.

My Mommy Mantras.

So, alone I will be while I secretly wonder if I have created the world's smartest newborn, as I watch her suck her arm off trying get milk out of it.

I may feel lonely when Andrew works late and I've successfully executed a home cooked meal, that is undeniably awesome, but Owen refuses to even try.

A lonely triumph it will be when I finally, and perfectly recreate an ET photography moment (see above).

But, I'm never really alone...how could I be??? I've been blessed with two great kids. I'll never be alone again!

La,

Cheri