Mothering Stinks!
You couldn't resist reading this entry with a title like that, could you!?!
The inspiration for my title comes from the many stinky diapers (especially the ones Peyton has that now make Gavin gag), dirty faces, runny noses, hurt appendages, sleepless nights, and needy moments my children have given me the privilege of dealing with over the past (almost) three years. Before you think I should win the "Worst Mother of the Year Award", let me go on for a moment. Though none of these things are particularly fun to deal with, would I honestly want someone else to take care of those things in my place? Okay, maybe once in a while. The thought of ever putting my children in daycare or dropping them off at a full-time babysitter makes my heart ache. Many parents do it every day without a thought - or maybe they've learned to suppress the thoughts that plagued them at the beginning.
For every dirty diaper, spilled dinner, whiney moment (lots of those!), and snotty upper lip, there are just as many, if not more, positive moments:
Yesterday I got to look Peyton in the eyes while I tried to comfort him before a nap. We gazed deeply into each other’s souls for a few brief moments and found tranquility in what we saw.
Gavin still enjoys to be cuddled by Mommy while he is drinking his "milky" (a.k.a. soy milk in a sippy cup).
Peyton thinks his family is the greatest - maybe because he doesn't know that many people yet. It makes us feel special to know we can always coax a smile or laugh out of him.
Gavin now gives me hugs and kisses for no apparent reason - making me realize maybe I am really making a difference in his life.
Peyton kicks his legs and smiles when I pick him up after a nap or a night of sleep as if to say, "I am so glad you're my Mommy!".
I used to say to Gavin, "My Gavin" and he would reply, "My Mommy". Now he starts out our little game and waits for my answer.
Peyton loves to be tickled, kissed, put up into the air, and at times, cuddled. He is my precious little baby who will soon enter toddlerhood.
When Gavin accomplishes a task, he sometimes reminds me that I need to tell him I am proud of him - since he has heard me say it in the past. This reminds me how much my words affect him and how much he needs my continued praise.
Peyton now tries to communicate with us through squeals, sounds, and even "growls" of frustration. He is definitely learning the give and take of conversation.
Beyond all of these things, I have been the one to comfort during times of hurt or sickness, the one to feed them new foods, to take them shopping and running errands, to read a book, to nourish them through nursing, to kiss away a hurt, to see them accomplish something for the first time, to notice a tooth breaking through. I haven't had to hear it from someone else, see it in a picture, or read it on a progress report.
So even though mothering does really "stink" at times, I wouldn't give it up for anything. I count it a true privilege to be raising two beautiful, sweet little boys who were given to me by God.
No comments:
Post a Comment