The difference between 1 and 2

Since the birth of S,  people have asked two questions 1. "Is it hard having two children" and 2. "What's different?".  Today, in a rare moment of quiet, I really thought about these questions and what I have learned over the past four months.  

1. Of course its hard.  Being a parent to any number of children is hard and always will be.  I don't believe that the number of children makes a difference (excluding Octomom and her herd).  You are responsible for molding a person(s) who will be judged by the world.  No pressure, just don't screw it up.  Luckily, there are things like wine, chocolate and the sweet laugh of your little ones to counterbalance.  

2. The difference between being a mommy to one and a mommy to two is you become a doer instead of a thinker.  You don't have the time to research, investigate and weigh your options- you just do "it" ("it" ranging from choosing diapers to feeding schedules).  Miraculously you learn #2 is alright without all that thinking.

As my #1, the list of things D has taught me is enormous.  Here is a snippet: 

-a smile really can light up a room

-no diaper is leak-proof and nothing is child-proof

-it is possible to swallow a dime

-pirouetting is much cooler than walking

-your child can be smarter than you (even at age 3 1/2)

-some books deserve to be read 63 times a week

-sleep and showering do not have to happen daily

-no one really cares what your kids are wearing

-life may be a bumpy journey, but a hug and an Eskimo kiss make the bumps more tolerable

-a mother's love is stronger than any other

 Thank you, D for inspiring and guiding me to be more of a "take action momma".  I hope you are enjoying the ride as much as I am and thanks for making room for S on the seat. 

Shower Talk

You often hear stay at home mothers say "I didn't even have time to shower today!".  I always thought this was bull but as I make my way through my first few weeks as a stay at home summer mom I am rethinking.  My days between showers are growing and I find myself filling the kiddie pool more frequently so I can consider that my daily shower without guilt or grass stuck to my backside.

Tonight after D's first soccer practice in the bug-ridden swamp of a park we desperately needed to de-louse. In an effort to multi-task I had D jump in the tub with me.  Normally she plays with her toys while I do my thing, then begrudgingly lets me wash her hair and body while she screams that I am spraying water in her eyes.  Nice, calm shower for all.  Tonight she wanted to talk and it made me yearn for that shrieking kid with water in her eyes. 

D: What's that thing on your belly?
Me: That's a tattoo.
D: Why does it look like that?
Me: Like what?
D: Funny and all squishy-like.
Me: Life lesson kid don't get a tattoo on your lower abdominal area at 18 if you plan on having kids.  It ends up "funny and squishy-like".
D:  Eww!

Thinking the conversation is over I return to removing the layer of grime left from the park.  I close my eyes and step under the spray.  When I re-open them D is staring at me in horror.

D: Whoa, Mom!  Your belly is fat!
Me: Gee, thanks!

I turn around signaling an end to this self-image crushing body critique.

D: OH MY GOSHNESS!!! 
Me: What?! What's wrong??
D: Your belly is fat but your berhind is HUGE!

So I count to 10 and remind myself to be thankful for what I have...a tattoo that has the unique qualities of "funny and squishy-like" and a belly that is fat but not as huge as my ass. And next time I bathe (notice I didn't say tomorrow because it most likely will not be) I will be thankful for my solo shower. The hell if she is getting in there with me again.  I'm petrified of her observations while shaving my legs!