Friday, November 30, 2007

Seriously, when did that happen?

Lola attends two different preschool programs and I am frantically driving across town between the two schools. In between drop offs, I have no time for conversation and am always in a hurry. You can see me... that fast red swoosh that just ran past you. I have a cute red "Mango" pea coat that is my trademark coat. A couple of weeks ago a mother from Lola's class called me. She needed advice from a "seasoned mother."

"Is it acceptable to invite the entire class of 14 kids over to my house for a play date? I feel like I haven't connected with any of the other mothers. I could serve snacks. Does everyone eat goldfish? What do you think?" It is so quiet on the other end, she must be calling during nap time.

"Did you just call me for advice?" I asked her over the phone ignoring her question while gently scrapping away three kids, off my leg. "Shhh, mommy is on the phone. See this phone on mommy's ear?"

"Yes. What do you think about the play date idea?" She asks me again. It really is so quiet on her end. Why don't my children nap anymore?

"Yes, It's a good idea. But... you called me a SEASONED mom. Seriously Jen, when did that happen?" I am still in shock. How could this be? Am I really THAT mother - that mother in preschool that so intimidated me a few short years ago? She gracefully nodded to everyone and knew everything but never had time to speak as she elegantly dashed out of school.

I guess I am a seasoned mom. The new preschool moms arrive at school, watch their kids play for a while, say their good-byes, and then migrate to the corner and talk. By the time they leave the school they only have an hour before they have to come back for pick-up. Somewhere in between the new mom's social every morning you can see me swooshing past them with a half dressed baby on my hip, a My Little Pony backpack slung across my right shoulder and a Darth Vader backpack on my left. I am in a hurry because EVERY MINUTE counts. I am that mother, just sans the elegance while dashing.

I recently realized that Fifi is in the best situation. She will have three entire years completely devoted to just her and me, while the others will be in school. Jay and Lola are 19 months apart, practically twins, which did not allow for many playgroups, library hours, or Gymboree classes for them. I was a stay-at-home-mom. I stayed at home with them. But, Fifi will have three glorious years with me. We will never be hurried. We will always hold hands.

If I am a "seasoned" mom today, what will I be called by the time Fifi is ready for preschool?

**************************************


NaBloPoMo... see you later.

I am taking the weekend off.

30 blogs in 30 days and this "seasoned" mom needs a break.

14classy comments:

Unknown said...

Yay Ohmommy! Congratulations for finishing NaBloPoMo!!!!

You know, I don't even really know you and I would consider you a seasoned mommy. Like, if I had to call one of my blogging buds for advice, it would be you!

Have a nice weekend, you deserve it!

LunaNik said...

It's funny how that happens right? One minute we're trying to figure out which end of the baby to put the diaper on, the next, we're pro's who could diaper a child, talk on the phone, and cook dinner all at once...crazy.

Be Inspired Always said...

Congrats to you. :)

Jillian

lattemommy said...

From one "seasoned mom" to another: at least it's nice to know that we wear the illusion of having it "all together". It certainly doesn't feel that way!

I get phone calls all the time from my "new mommy" friends and acquaintances for advice (partly for my mommy experience and partly for expertise I have in another area). It feels nice - at least someone else thinks I know what I'm doing!

AutoSysGene said...

LOL! I'm the same way. If the bus is 5 minutes late I'm like, "your cutting into my 4 hours."

Happy end of NaBloPoMo...we made it through.

Crystal D said...

LOL. You will be a professional mom by the time Fifi is in school. Plus since you won't be rushing you will be the one with "everything" under control. How intimidating!

JustADad said...

And you just sent me into a panic...I'm still in the honeymoon phase of "papa-hood," thinking my life is going sooo smoothly (and secretly believe this parenthood thing is easy!)...

Forget the glass, just give me a bottle of the reisling, PLEASE!

(ha ha ha)

Enjoy your break...happy holidays!

Kellan said...

You can tell she IS NOT a seasoned mom by the mere fact that she suggests inviting the whole class + the mothers - over - for a play date!!! Am I the only one that laughed at this?

You are so funny and fun to read - I always enjoy your stories. I too ... am a seasoned mom. I think I may even be an overly-seasoned mom.

Take care and have a great weekend.

adequatemom said...

Congrats on being a Seasoned Mom! And congrats on finishing NaBloPoMo! Have a great weekend!!

Cecily R said...

Oh, you are seasoned! You're smart and above all you adore those little people in your charge. Seasoning.

Congrats on NaBloPoMa! You did it!!!!

What seasoning do think you are? Cinnamon? I think I might be nutmeg.

Cecily R said...

I fixed your random!

Kelly said...

Aged to perfection? LOL!

chichimama said...

Congrats!!! It's an odd yet good feeling, isn't it?

Although I thought my youngest and I would have lots of time together when my oldest started school, but we just end up running from one thing to another still. But perhaps you will do a better job than I have saying no to all the things you get asked to do once you are a "seasoned" mom...

OHmommy said...

Huckdoll.... I blush. Me give advice? I blush.

Lunanik... I know, crazy!


Jillian... thanks.

Latte... oh, what an illusion it really is!

Mr J... one bottle from me to you.

Kellan... I know, I know, that is what I was laughing at too. The entire class?


Wordy Girl... congrats to you too!

Cecily... I would be paprika.

Kelly... yes, aged to perfection! Good one.

Chichi... I am afraid that I too will be running around.

 

Blog Designed by: NW Designs

Original Header and Concept by: Judith Shakes