Thursday, May 08, 2008

Motherhood Has No Script

Motherhood is full of highs and lows. There are days when we experience both.

Take for example our trip to the zoo this week. We frequent the zoo often, if just for a brisk walk through the park. The older two have a virtual map of the zoo downloaded in their heads and by age 18 months were able to distinguish between a red eyed tree frog and a bull frog. They could point to a sloth in a lineup of apes and recite a list of facts.

However, my poor and neglected third child caused me to worry about her speech development on this zoo trip. She seemed so confused. Could she be speech delayed? Should I seek professional help?

To her, the elephant was a "Woof! Woof!"

The crane and stork were both "Quack! Quacks!"

The sloth, marmoset, and lemurs were all "Meow! Meows!"

The older two got a kick out of her confusion and laughed the entire time. I shook my head and worried about my baby, on our ride home. At 18 months old the others were reciting "Old MacDonald" in their sleep. I know better than to compare them; nevertheless, worrying is second nature to me and I do it every chance I can get.

Back at home I organized some puzzles for the older two and took my 15 month old Fifi upstairs for some well needed quality time. I sang to her as I un-dressed her. I kissed and lingered in her neck while I hummed another song. We giggled as I chased her around, barking like a dog. I read a handful of books while she sat in my lap. I took her downstairs, still undressed, to start dinner. NOTE: The third child is without clothes a lot. Especially around dinner time. Green is the new black.... we save on running the washing machine.

Fifi walked over to the mud room where Jay and Lola's backpacks are neatly hung. Every morning she watches them get ready for school, she watches them being dropped off at school, she watches our loving goodbyes. She. Pays. Attention. And I grabbed the video camera to capture her.

She is fine. Totally 100% perfect in every way. She might get her animals confused but her observations of us are not confused.

Soooooo.... motherhood. Ah, motherhood! A typical day of an obsessed mother can start on a low note and can end on a high. Some days are filled with highs and other days full of lows.

The best part is that: there is no script and we create the story. It is mostly in our hands. In remote villages of Islamic Africa, my sister explained, mothers frequently exclaim "It is in God's hands!" regarding everything from the village's rainfall to the health of their children.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!! Hope you experience many highs while writing your own mother's day script. It is in your hands.

78classy comments:

Kash said...

Inshallah! It is in God's hands. Let it be :)

Kristen said...

So I just posted about the lows of motherhood!

Thanks for reminding me that there are also highs!

Happy Mother's Day! :)

Karen said...

Look at those chubby legs! And the adorable hair. And look how she comes back to give hugs and kisses. She's such a dear, and you're so blessed.

I like that idea about saving the washer. Could I send the kids outside to play in their skivvies?

Frances said...

How adorable is she?!

tricki_nicki said...

Hmmm, my smartest kid so far isn't reciting Old Mac at 21 months. Either my kids are not so smart or yours are geniuses!

Wendi said...

I. am. so. in. love. with. Fifi.

It is a good thing my tubes are tied because THAT video just made me want a baby again!

OMgoodness she is the cutest!

My little Claire had "rolls" like that. You know the ones that look like you put rubber bands around their wrists, thighs, and ankles. I miss that! I did not know I did until now!

Happy Mother's Day to one of my most favorite mommy's!!!

Unknown said...

Love, love, love the video. The fact that she is almost nude but still wearing a hairbow is so my daughter.

Eve Grey said...

That is just the sweetest thing ever. You must show that at her wedding. (:
I get the worry thing SOOO much. Esp. when they were babies. OMG, i thought every little ache & pain or fever was meningitis, measles, a tumour...Just a tad of an over-reacter!

Anonymous said...

You know it wouldn't be nearly as fun if there was a script, right? Playing it by ear and taking it all in is the joy of our job.

Laski said...

Oh, perfect. Old MacDonald is the magical song around here. J goes into meltdown, we start quacking, buzzing, mooing, snorting, tweeting . . . and he's all better.

We are heading to Columbus Zoo next week. I can't wait for J to see the animals in all their glory!

The video, she didn't hesitate turning around and going for her favorite thing . . .

Kiss for mama. Happy Mother's Day, Oh Mommy . . .

The Mom Jen said...

It's the number 3 kid. I have one of those too. ;) Happy Mother's Day!

the dragonfly said...

Oh, she is beautiful. Priceless!

Laura said...

It is soooo hard not to compare them...

I think she is one wonderfully beautiful girl...loved the video!

Thanks for sharing.

Mrs4444 said...

It doesn't get any cuter than that!

Anonymous said...

I can't believe HOW cute she is! And I love the naked Fifi (diaper-strutting) yet with a pretty bow in her hair. SO adorable.

Katie Ryan said...

Oh, I miss those days! It makes me ache! Give her a little longer with the speech. Totally different problem than yours, but my little girl didn't say a single word until she was 2, and then just started speaking in sentences. All kids are different, guess. They do their own thing when they're ready.

Unknown said...

I think if we paired our two youngest they would have a fabulous time taking us over and running our households!

Indy said...

She is such a sweetie. And OHmommy, she is fine. She's just a third child. Just like walking, she will soon be talking. And she may never stop!

Rhea said...

Cutie pie! She's off to school in her diaper! And, doesn't hesitate to come kiss Mommy over and over again. Adorable! She's love seeing that when she's older. lol

It cracked me up to see Lola in the background coloring away and totally ignoring everything. She wasn't phased at all. haha

I have to admit, sometimes I wish her name really was Fifi...it's kind of cute. lol

Was this the pre-school field trip?

Unknown said...

Happy Mother's Day. And don't worry about Fifi. She's fine. And I'm glad you know not to compare, but that fact that you even mention it ...... Fifi is FINE!

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

Happy Mother's Day!

And thank goodness there isn't a handbook! Nothing is ever the same for kids...they are all different.

Anne B. said...

So cute. :-) I have a 13 month old. I too worry that he is verbally behind, but you know... he does his own things well: walk, run, climb, following instruction, he understands words, etc. It's hard to turn off the worry though, isn't it?

Crystal D said...

Oh I know this is all in store for my number three. But look at all the love she will get to witness, just like Fifi.
And that pudge and those rolls? Well, why in the world would you want to cover that up. She looks adorable just like that.

The Gerster Family said...

Thanks for helping me remember the highs in the midst of, what seems like, so many lows. Happy Mother's Day, friend!

Stephanie said...

Happy Mother's Day to us all!

"Woof, Woof" - Love it!

I don't know why I can never view your videos - they never show up for me...

Dziadek said...

Piekne,
Ogladalem juz 15 razy-kto wiecej
Moja najmlodsza wnuczka robi sie piekna jak Babcia
Happy Mothers Day ! dla wszystkich mam
a dla Polek podwojnie-bo niedlugo drugi raz w Polsce.

Lisa said...

My gracious is that little lady sweet or what? Check out those thighs? Oh how I wish thighs like that were popular for almost thirty something women!

Motherhood is so about highs and lows. I know it makes me doubt everything I do, even though I'm usually a very self-confident person. But we're working on producing the most importnant thing we'll ever, ever do. Our kids.

Yours are oh-so-lucky! They experience a world full of love. Love of travel, love of culture, but mostly love from family. Happy Mothers Day to you - may it be a day full of wonderful love :)

LunaNik said...

I wish I would have gotten the chance to meet your adorable Fifi that day in Central Park. How I love the chubbiness of babies! Next time, you bring her, no excuses. Mkay?

Happy Mothers Day, OhMommy.

Mwah.

Memaw's memories said...

Yes, there are highs and lows to all our lives.

The video is great. She is such a cutie.

Happy Mother's Day

Unknown said...

Happy Mother's Day!! How precious!!

BTW - on a similar note - did anyone catch GMA this morning about the mother in Georgia that won the Mother's Day Breakfast in Bed Contest (where Emiril makes her brekkers)? I. CRIED. FOREVER. i got to work late cause i had to wash my face again!! once they post it, i will send the link.

Beth from the Funny Farm said...

Each day we wake up and make a choice. I chose to be HAPPY with my "motherhood script!"


Happy MOM'S DAY TO YOU!

XOXOX

Blessings From Above said...

Awww...Fifi is adorable AND smart!

Stephanie said...

How precious! I love watching them toddle around like that (especially in just their diaper.) Chicken seems delayed some too and since he and Fifi share the same birthday, it made me think. He's not talking as much as Punky was at this age (she was starting to form sentences by his age, he can only say 4-5 words). He won't repeat animal sounds. Won't sit still long enough to learn his body parts except one in particular. BUT, I asked him this morning if he would like to take his socks off. He bends down and tries to pull them off. I ask him where the cow is in the book and he'll point to it. Hubby tells him to give him hugs and kisses before he leaves every morning and he takes off running to him to do just that. Sooo my dear OhMommy, we don't have little dumb dumb's after all. They're just smart in different ways from our other kids! SO LET'S BOTH STOP WORRYING!

Marmarbug said...

Saw you at Burghbaby and decided to drop by.
Love your blog. And I love that video! How precious! And I worry all of the time too. Comes with the job I guess!

Kelly said...

How absolutely adorable is that video??

Have a wonderful Mother's Day!!

Zoeyjane said...

it's my firm belief that there is NOTHING cuter than a toddler in a diaper pretend leaving for work/school/shopping. the dramatic and repetitive bye-bye's KILL me.

don't worry, i'm ok. i'll be back tonights.

duchess said...

Happy Mother's Day!
Hope you get a restful weekend to enjoy your special holiday (yea-right!).

Anonymous said...

one word: adorable!

Cecily R said...

The confusion about animals is something you will look back on with her and giggle about. We still call horses EEEEE-Haws at our house in honor of Gracie.

Fifi is ADORABLE and couldn't be more on track. But you know that. Because you know she is HER and that is most important.

Happy Mother's Day my classy friend!

Ashlee said...

She is adorable! I hope you have a fabulous mothers day! :0)

Anonymous said...

Oh you are sooo right. Mommie hood is down one moment and then a big squishy hug flings you right up high.
Wouldn't trade it for the world.

Happy mama's day!

CC said...

No script at all....

Let me know if you have any specific questions about Fifi's speech and language.

3 Peanuts said...

She is so cute! I love her round lil baby body. It will change so quickly to that lean toddlery one:(

Kim

Miss said...

What a cutie. I dont think you have anything to worry about with any of them. You are a wonderful, classy, beautiful mommy.

Chelsea said...

This is one reason I will someday have children and not just a dog. :) Happy Mother's Day

Hey it's Amy Benson said...

How absolutely darling is your little Fifi? I wish I had one :D Except, I would never get anything done! Cuz I would just play with her all day...
Love your story about the zoo, and the video too. ♥
Happy Mother's Day!

Caroline C. Bingham said...

She is oh so cute!

Angel The Alien said...

Looks like a smart kid to me! Anyways, all of those animals make weird noises, so maybe she was just improvising because she didn't know how to make the right noise!

just jamie said...

Your voice. I've heard it now. Yay!

SHE is darling! Love the waddle. I miss the diaper waddle.

So sweet. Thanks for the reminder. Happy Mother's Day OhMommy.

Leah said...

she's the sweetest little thing I ever did see! I loved that little pivot and return for kisses goodbye. LOL! Very sweet. And I'm thrilled to see another "chunker". My kids all had THIGHS as well. LOVE baby chubs.

Mama Smurf said...

I don't what's goin on with blogger today but I can't leave a comment to save my life.

Take 329...original comment is being condensed into...

Happy Mother's Day!

Unknown said...

Hey, I remember than voice!

What a doll Fifi is! Thanks for sharing the video :)

Happy Mother's Day!

Anonymous said...

What a nice story. Thank you for sharing :) I, too, worry all the time, and then am reminded shortly after how silly all the worrying (often) is.

Cute video--VERY cute!

Momisodes said...

I'm learning with my daughter that worrying is a HUGE factor in motherhood (along with guilt, love frustration, etc). You described the highs and lows so well in this post. So glad your day ended on a high note.

Fifi's adorable smile surely helped close my day on a high note too :)

Happy Mother's Day!

Cynthia said...

So cute...sometimes I wish they would stay that little:)

Unknown said...

*sniff* You really should consider giving a tissue alert before these posts! What a sweet story! Happy Mother's Day!

Grandy said...

Ah yes, motherhood. Where women of the world perfected the word "improvise".

Happy Mothers Day!!

Tootsie Farklepants said...

Happy Mother's Day to you times 3!!!

carrie said...

Oh, she is so sweet!

Happy Mother's Day to you too!

McMommy said...

Carter will be 15 months this month ad doesn't say hardly ANYTHING! Sure he says Mama, Dada...and WOW and uh oh....but I swear he is wayyyyy behind in speech than Matty was at this age!

I understand what you are feeling!

Kat said...

Oh my word!!!! That video is SO CUTE!!!!! What an absolute sweetie doll! I love her lip smacking kisses. So sweet!
Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Days said...

She is soooooooo adoreable and perfect in every way!!! My third child barks at every animal! I love this video and it reminds me that I need to get some video of my third child! This was a great post!
Happy Mothers day!!!!

Flea said...

Fifi is the cutest little chunk EVER. Definitely a high mark, OHmommy.

Rachel said...

Google ate my comment yesterday darn it. I am in love with FiFi! She is too adorable.
Love this!

the mama bird diaries said...

Way cute. I love getting kisses over and over and over again from my 17 month-old.

Happy mother's day!

LLW said...

Aw...love the diaper waddle! :)

My nephew is the same age, so cute and cuddly.

April said...

My 7-yr-old gave her a big "awwww."

I was laughing at how she reacted when you said she forgot to kiss mama after she'd just kissed you.

Happy Mother's Day!

Karen MEG said...

Fifi is the most adorable little waddler LOL! I loved that she kept coming back to kiss her mama ... to precious.

I'm with you on the worrying, but it comes with the mommy territy thing. It's hard not to compare ... but she's just fine! She's just a creative toddler!
Happy Mother's Day Ohmommy!!!

ssgreylord said...

Oops. Hit publish comment before I had commented. How very blonde of me. Just wanted to say I love your video idea. It captures the whole post in 30 seconds. Thanks for sharing and take care...

CC said...

I love your awesome blog. I just gave you an award. :)

ConverseMomma said...

It may be in god's hands, but it helps that your children have a mother like you. They are blessed, as are you. Ya know, we are way too alike. I worry so much, and then my darlings do something that just amazes me, and then I stand around weeping like a fool. I love every darn minute of it too.
Happy Mother's Day, rockstar!

Anonymous said...

Amen!

And as far as Fifi goes, I felt like I didn't do nearly as much hands-on teaching with my third. He didn't know his alphabet as early and can't write his name at 3 like the other two could. But then I realized that he has learned so many other things from the older two. It's a trade-off!

Have an awesome Mother's Day, OHMommy!

Secret Agent Mama said...

Davey <3's Fifi

(We've watched this 4 times already)

Victoria said...

Adorable child! Loved this message. I'm always comparing my two - who are NOTHING alike. Thanks for the reminder this Mother's Day.

Hope yours was grand!

As Cape Cod Turns said...

Such a cute video of a cute little girl. Those chubby legs and puckering sounds.... I miss those days.

Anti-Supermom said...

She is so stink' cute. I know my 12 month old watches everything I do too. Should I be worried?!

The Engert Family said...

Of course she is fine! And adorable, too.

Dziadek said...

100 raz

 

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