Having fun yet? The big kid took the 6 am bus back to college today for the last weekend of baseball at home stadium. After working until 1 am in the bakery and grabbing 4 hours of sleep, his dad dropped him off at the bus station. After the weekend's games, the team will no longer play at home and his red shirt commitment is officially over. Therefore, he returns home Sunday evening for a summer of physical therapy, work outs, and filling cake orders in the bakery.
This is one of the busiest months for cakes, so the gang in the bakery have been preoccupied filling orders. Yesterday I tried to call in a few orders for Buttercup, but could not make it through the phone line since it was always busy. I resorted to texting the orders in to Buddy in the hopes that he got the orders correct for the new mother. His handwriting is illegible. Hopefully, and I mean this with a smile on my face that the cake decorators can read his chicken-scratch writing and write "Happy Mother's Day, Nanny" rather than "Happy Mother's Day, Nutso."
Did you see Time magazine's cover of the mother breast feeding her three year old son? Hey, he looked more like 13 years old. Of course, my eyes are not what they used to be, so he could have been three, but come on people, unlatch the breast and let the kid go free. Is she doing this for him or her? Perhaps she is having a hard time letting him go, so she is doing this extreme parenting. Does she stop by his nursery school at snack time? What about play dates? Does he text her when he is thirsty? Talk about being on call 24/7. Not even new residents in the hospitals have "call" like this extreme mom. Ask Buttercup about breast feeding and she will share with you that she is not going make it past three months let alone three years!
And yes, Mother's Day approaches and each year, I appreciate the mothers in my life more and more. I watched Emeril L surprise a mother with 7 children under the age of 2 years for Good Morning America. It was neat to see her flabbergasted by all of the attention. My mother would be the same way. With six kids in ten years, no help, and no car, she managed to create a home and heart for our family. Without a doubt, I would not be bullpen mom without her as a role model. Creative, kind, caring, funny, and a great cook, BP Grandmom has been the rock in all of our families. Without her, we would all be without our hearts and anchor. Thanks mom, for all that you have sacrificed to give us the foundation that we needed to move on with our lives.
Yep, BP G-mom is awesome! All agree that she has the spirit of a dove and patience of a saint. Priceless...
This weekend, I have to attend three university ceremonies which include graduation and baccalaureate. I have been asked by the chaplain to open the ceremony tonight with a prayer. Believe it or not, it has taken me three days to write a one-minute prayer. It's true. I cannot get the right words or phrasing or feel comfortable with the content. I am sure that God will understand my ramblings, but will the congregation? Hence the panic to do this right. I can "borrow" a prayer from a website or book, but I think the goal was to have some knucklehead like me create a prayer that will capture the audience's attention and festive mood. I wasn't even going to the ceremony tonight, but when the chaplain calls, you gotta answer. So, I said: "Sure, I will say the invocation prayer." Oy! What was I thinking. Pressure is on. Prayer needs a bit of editing....got to have a cup of coffee and begin again to make sure that it makes sense. After all, we are thankful for our blessings, the graduates, and their families, after that....I got nothing....
Friday, May 11, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Beginning PT
Greetings from Cupcake's house. Tink and I have spent the last two days with the newest member of the family while Big Sis returned to work. This has been the greatest gig. The only problem is that Cupcake is a night owl and Buttercup would love for her to sleep more at night than during the day. My job is to entertain the newborn and try to keep her awake. Yeah, right...not possible. If she wants to sleep, baby is going to sleep. There is nothing that any of us can do about it. And so it goes. Tink never slept as a baby and Buddy slept all of the time. That kid would sit in his car seat and it would be "lights out."
As far as Buddy is concerned, he had another appointment with the surgeon who gave him the green light to begin physical therapy. After his appointment yesterday, he called me to share that he is to rehab every day. There is a problem, however, he does not have therapy table. "What is a therapy table?" I asked. His response was that it is a special padded table in which he can sit and lie on it and perform his exercises. Hmmmm....talk to your dad.
Then I thought about it. The kid does not need a special table. He can sit on his bed and work out. The sofa would work too. What about the floor? No special $1000 table needed. Where would I put a therapy table in the house? My bedroom? Living room? Kitchen? Will people walk into the house, gasp, and say: "LOVE your therapy table...it goes great with the traditional decor." Would Nate Berkus approve and add some decorative pillows for texture and depth? I did see a Martha Stewart show that focused on different therapy tables and how they can double as a butcher block table or ottoman.
And so, the gift of a therapy table will not happen. As a matter of fact, since insurance does not cover furniture for the family room that can double as a therapy table, we will not be purchasing it. No, this one is non-negotiable...not going to happen....not necessary....uh uh. Nope.
In the meantime, I am going to enjoy hanging out with my Cupcake. No therapy table needed, just a few diapers, a pacifier, and a blankie.
Have a great day!
As far as Buddy is concerned, he had another appointment with the surgeon who gave him the green light to begin physical therapy. After his appointment yesterday, he called me to share that he is to rehab every day. There is a problem, however, he does not have therapy table. "What is a therapy table?" I asked. His response was that it is a special padded table in which he can sit and lie on it and perform his exercises. Hmmmm....talk to your dad.
Then I thought about it. The kid does not need a special table. He can sit on his bed and work out. The sofa would work too. What about the floor? No special $1000 table needed. Where would I put a therapy table in the house? My bedroom? Living room? Kitchen? Will people walk into the house, gasp, and say: "LOVE your therapy table...it goes great with the traditional decor." Would Nate Berkus approve and add some decorative pillows for texture and depth? I did see a Martha Stewart show that focused on different therapy tables and how they can double as a butcher block table or ottoman.
And so, the gift of a therapy table will not happen. As a matter of fact, since insurance does not cover furniture for the family room that can double as a therapy table, we will not be purchasing it. No, this one is non-negotiable...not going to happen....not necessary....uh uh. Nope.
In the meantime, I am going to enjoy hanging out with my Cupcake. No therapy table needed, just a few diapers, a pacifier, and a blankie.
Have a great day!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Summer begins.....
Monday! All is quiet....sleeping giants are in their rooms, peaceful in their slumber....the calm before the storm...then lightening! Thunder! Wind and rain....yep, both kids have to work today and there is one car for them to share. Neither considered the math before going to bed last night, so the storm will brew and hit around 11 am. BP mom will not get involved in the negotiations. This is a skill that they must hone without mama's help. However, I do realize that somehow I will be part of driving one of them to work or picking one up because of the timing. This is just the start of the summer for us. I feel like it is little league, ballet, volleyball, girl scouts, and birthday parties again. The only difference is that the kid is not in the back seat sucking on a lollipop, he or she is in the front seat playing with my radio, turning up the tunes, and except for Tink, ignoring attempts at conversation.
Buddy's team was in the Midwest this weekend and took 2 out of three games. This leaves them in good shape to make the playoffs in (of all places) Ohio at the end of the month. Naturally, he would join them just to support the team. He could not nor should not miss the play offs for any reason. nope, he will not be in uniform or the dugout, he will be in the stands probably sitting next to me as he growls and complains that he is not in uniform and on the mound.
I had an interesting time yesterday as we watched the game from our computer terminals. Each member of the family was in a different room (togetherness, eh?) while watching on their laptop screens. Then I would hear: "Ahhhhh....you x0xhha$%!" a number of times and knew that he was watching in not so silent silence. He had a comment for each play or misstep and I knew that this is the edited version of what he is actually like in the dugout and bullpen. Talk about salty language....oye! Further, the guy does not like to lose even when he is not in the game.
OK, the giant is awake and Buddy just limped down the stairs and complaining that his body really hurts. What? Is he 40? His body is sore and he wants to go and work out. Is this what an athlete does? Aren't they supposed to take time off a bit when the body is so sore that it cannot sit without a sigh or grimace? Geez...
After a conversation, we narrowed the pain down to worn out running shoes. Therefore, with his first paycheck, the plan is to buy new shoes. It's funny, because now he is cussin' about the cheap shoes and equipment given out by the university. Dude, you are so blessed that you are given even a cheap pair of shoes to use for training. When I coached tennis (sorry) the girls were given one pair of socks and could use the skirts that were in the locker room. No shoes, equipment, buffets, walk out songs, fancy stadiums, or clothing.....socks....at least they were absorbent.
And now, the day really begins. The fight for the third car is on. Will I engage in the discussion? Nope...got to get my act together and get to work. How they handle the division of the transportation is up to them. Hopefully, they will share it with me at some point before I pick up my brief case and yogurt.
Have a great day and keep on fighting the good fight!
Buddy's team was in the Midwest this weekend and took 2 out of three games. This leaves them in good shape to make the playoffs in (of all places) Ohio at the end of the month. Naturally, he would join them just to support the team. He could not nor should not miss the play offs for any reason. nope, he will not be in uniform or the dugout, he will be in the stands probably sitting next to me as he growls and complains that he is not in uniform and on the mound.
I had an interesting time yesterday as we watched the game from our computer terminals. Each member of the family was in a different room (togetherness, eh?) while watching on their laptop screens. Then I would hear: "Ahhhhh....you x0xhha$%!" a number of times and knew that he was watching in not so silent silence. He had a comment for each play or misstep and I knew that this is the edited version of what he is actually like in the dugout and bullpen. Talk about salty language....oye! Further, the guy does not like to lose even when he is not in the game.
OK, the giant is awake and Buddy just limped down the stairs and complaining that his body really hurts. What? Is he 40? His body is sore and he wants to go and work out. Is this what an athlete does? Aren't they supposed to take time off a bit when the body is so sore that it cannot sit without a sigh or grimace? Geez...
After a conversation, we narrowed the pain down to worn out running shoes. Therefore, with his first paycheck, the plan is to buy new shoes. It's funny, because now he is cussin' about the cheap shoes and equipment given out by the university. Dude, you are so blessed that you are given even a cheap pair of shoes to use for training. When I coached tennis (sorry) the girls were given one pair of socks and could use the skirts that were in the locker room. No shoes, equipment, buffets, walk out songs, fancy stadiums, or clothing.....socks....at least they were absorbent.
And now, the day really begins. The fight for the third car is on. Will I engage in the discussion? Nope...got to get my act together and get to work. How they handle the division of the transportation is up to them. Hopefully, they will share it with me at some point before I pick up my brief case and yogurt.
Have a great day and keep on fighting the good fight!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Saturday!
Good morning! It's Saturday and the house is full yet quiet. Everyone is still in bed and I must say, that this is a pleasure. So, it is time to catch up on the latest news.
Yesterday, Buddy and I spent most of the the together running errands and visiting Cupcake. First, Cupcake is such a cutie. As Buddy asked me: "Aren't all babies cute?" Hmmmm, I had to think about that question. Sure, most babies are sweet, but are they all cute? I guess that the answer is: "It depends". It depends upon who defines cute. As far as I am concerned, each baby is a blessing and we are fortunate to have Cupcake in our lives. As Big Sis and I stared into the nursery for the first time, we were not sure which baby was ours. They all looked alike...sorry...but they did. Each one had the full cheeks and squished nose. There were no defining marks that said: "Look here...it's me....Cupcake!" Nope, we could not tell. Therefore, the answer to my son's question is "Yes", all babies are cute and precious....until you find your own, then they are the cutest!
Once the hospital visit was complete, the next phase was to run to the bakery to see Sparky. It seems that Buddy has found a summer job there and he begins to sell pastries today behind the counter. He's pretty excited about working with Sparky and the Baker and plans to learn all he can about the business. However, my advice to Baker is not to let him around your financial statements or count the revenue until he finally passes Finance 101.
As we chatted yesterday about the job, he was excited about learning all he could about baking. It seems that the 'uninformed' are teasing him about working in a bakery. Dude, when are you going to work out? How can you have a job and rehab? Looking ahead as I was driving ('cause I had to take the wheel back since he no longer reads the speed limit signs), he said something interesting....there are 24 hours in a day. If I work for 8 and sleep for 8, I have about 16 or so left to work out. Yeah, 16 or so is about right....See what I mean about finance? I believe that being able to count is an integral component to successfully passing the course.
Yep, it's good to have him home as we next drove to Target to buy new sheets for his bed since he ripped the last set. How does that happen? I asked.....dunno...one day my leg went through them. A new phenomenon....A sleeping guy whose legs are so strong that they burst through sheets...really? Is this possible? Are you saying that you did not get angry one night and take the energy out on your sheets? I am still wrapping my brain around this one. By the way, the kid announced that he has not done laundry since spring break....I am pretty sure that this was two months ago. Does this mean that he has enough pairs of underwear and socks to last 60 days? Ew...
While at Target, we loaded up on the items that he will eat while he is home. There was no need for laundry detergent since he brought it back with him. So, I left him to fill the cart with food that will satisfy a growing guy. My senses tell me that we will be back again on Monday to refill the pantry. The Southern Belle predicts that the food bill will double. I must disagree. The food bill will triple as will the gas and water bills. Let's not forget electricity too.
This weekend the baseball team is playing at an indoor major league field in the Midwest. California pitched last night with 40 MLB scouts in attendance with their radar guns. It seems that Buddy's room mate for the fall is a top prospect and if he is drafted, he will serve. Yep, he will pack his gear, glove, and dip so fast that he won't have time to drop off the key to retrieve his deposit for the house. The only sign that he was ever there would be the ripped sheets left on his abandoned bed. I wish him the best and hope that he gets what he wants. We will know during June's major league draft.
Off to accomplish some goals....have a good day!
Yesterday, Buddy and I spent most of the the together running errands and visiting Cupcake. First, Cupcake is such a cutie. As Buddy asked me: "Aren't all babies cute?" Hmmmm, I had to think about that question. Sure, most babies are sweet, but are they all cute? I guess that the answer is: "It depends". It depends upon who defines cute. As far as I am concerned, each baby is a blessing and we are fortunate to have Cupcake in our lives. As Big Sis and I stared into the nursery for the first time, we were not sure which baby was ours. They all looked alike...sorry...but they did. Each one had the full cheeks and squished nose. There were no defining marks that said: "Look here...it's me....Cupcake!" Nope, we could not tell. Therefore, the answer to my son's question is "Yes", all babies are cute and precious....until you find your own, then they are the cutest!
Once the hospital visit was complete, the next phase was to run to the bakery to see Sparky. It seems that Buddy has found a summer job there and he begins to sell pastries today behind the counter. He's pretty excited about working with Sparky and the Baker and plans to learn all he can about the business. However, my advice to Baker is not to let him around your financial statements or count the revenue until he finally passes Finance 101.
As we chatted yesterday about the job, he was excited about learning all he could about baking. It seems that the 'uninformed' are teasing him about working in a bakery. Dude, when are you going to work out? How can you have a job and rehab? Looking ahead as I was driving ('cause I had to take the wheel back since he no longer reads the speed limit signs), he said something interesting....there are 24 hours in a day. If I work for 8 and sleep for 8, I have about 16 or so left to work out. Yeah, 16 or so is about right....See what I mean about finance? I believe that being able to count is an integral component to successfully passing the course.
Yep, it's good to have him home as we next drove to Target to buy new sheets for his bed since he ripped the last set. How does that happen? I asked.....dunno...one day my leg went through them. A new phenomenon....A sleeping guy whose legs are so strong that they burst through sheets...really? Is this possible? Are you saying that you did not get angry one night and take the energy out on your sheets? I am still wrapping my brain around this one. By the way, the kid announced that he has not done laundry since spring break....I am pretty sure that this was two months ago. Does this mean that he has enough pairs of underwear and socks to last 60 days? Ew...
While at Target, we loaded up on the items that he will eat while he is home. There was no need for laundry detergent since he brought it back with him. So, I left him to fill the cart with food that will satisfy a growing guy. My senses tell me that we will be back again on Monday to refill the pantry. The Southern Belle predicts that the food bill will double. I must disagree. The food bill will triple as will the gas and water bills. Let's not forget electricity too.
This weekend the baseball team is playing at an indoor major league field in the Midwest. California pitched last night with 40 MLB scouts in attendance with their radar guns. It seems that Buddy's room mate for the fall is a top prospect and if he is drafted, he will serve. Yep, he will pack his gear, glove, and dip so fast that he won't have time to drop off the key to retrieve his deposit for the house. The only sign that he was ever there would be the ripped sheets left on his abandoned bed. I wish him the best and hope that he gets what he wants. We will know during June's major league draft.
Off to accomplish some goals....have a good day!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Welcome Cupcake!
Good morning! Cupcake is here! Yes, Buttercup had her baby yesterday afternoon and she is a cutie-pie! Cupcake weighed in at 9 pounds 1 ounce and 22 inches with the fullest head of black hair that I have ever seen. The nurse called my Cupcake a "chunk" when she handed her to the new mommy. Was I the only one offended by the remark or should I get a sense of humor? My crazy mind took me to 18 years from now when she is trying on her prom dress and looking in the mirror saying: "I am such a chunk! Got to lose weight or do more crunches....." Is this where the lack of confidence and self doubt begins....on the first day of life? Unfortunately, I took the nurse's comment not as the joke that it was intended but as an indictment of our society as a whole that values a slim 7 pound baby upon each delivery. Hey! Buttercup is 5'9" and papa is well over 6 feet tall. This is called 'genetics'...time for nurse Seinfeld to go back to school or the local convenience store to buy a clue! Sorry, gang, but the comment bothered me....
On to the topic of the day....as May is here, Mother's Day approaches and as I read the paper on my iPad today, my eye took me to a link...."Which TV mom are you?" Growing up with the television moms, I took the survey and am a combination of Murphy Brown (Self-reliant, brassy, and willing to put the Secretary of State on hold if your plumber calls) and Carol Brady (indefatigable, good-humored, and when it comes to your kids, you wish you had sound proofed the walls).
I was actually surprised by the results and think that the survey is not valid. Each mother brings something unique to the table. So, I have to say, there is probably some Claire Huxtable in me too with some hidden Roseann Barr tendencies. Oh my, a psychologist could use me as a case study.....
On to my own kids.....Buddy is home and I could not help but notice that he is too thin. Actually, I am not pleased with this anorexic look because the kid has an appetite. He also had a limited budget in college and something tells me that the time that he spends at home will add pounds to his oh-so-skinny frame. After arriving home, he took off for a run in the neighborhood and then ate half of a large pizza in seconds. Nothing wrong with his appetite. It looks like he did not have the time to eat while studying for finals.
What happened to the freshman ten pounds that most kids gain? In my case, it was more than ten pounds and continued well after sophomore, junior, senior years as well as graduate school. Once I noticed the weight gain, I would look in the mirror and comment on being a "chunk".....ahhhh, the answer to the test....when I was handed over to my mother after birth, the delivery room nurse called me a "chunk"....uh huh...now I get it. The power of one comment can be life lasting....
With that said, I now have to accomplish a few tasks for the university that pays my salary.
Have a great day and I will leave you with a Murphy Brown quote: “Oh god, my body’s making milk. It’s like one day discovering you can get bacon out of your elbow.”
On to the topic of the day....as May is here, Mother's Day approaches and as I read the paper on my iPad today, my eye took me to a link...."Which TV mom are you?" Growing up with the television moms, I took the survey and am a combination of Murphy Brown (Self-reliant, brassy, and willing to put the Secretary of State on hold if your plumber calls) and Carol Brady (indefatigable, good-humored, and when it comes to your kids, you wish you had sound proofed the walls).
I was actually surprised by the results and think that the survey is not valid. Each mother brings something unique to the table. So, I have to say, there is probably some Claire Huxtable in me too with some hidden Roseann Barr tendencies. Oh my, a psychologist could use me as a case study.....
On to my own kids.....Buddy is home and I could not help but notice that he is too thin. Actually, I am not pleased with this anorexic look because the kid has an appetite. He also had a limited budget in college and something tells me that the time that he spends at home will add pounds to his oh-so-skinny frame. After arriving home, he took off for a run in the neighborhood and then ate half of a large pizza in seconds. Nothing wrong with his appetite. It looks like he did not have the time to eat while studying for finals.
What happened to the freshman ten pounds that most kids gain? In my case, it was more than ten pounds and continued well after sophomore, junior, senior years as well as graduate school. Once I noticed the weight gain, I would look in the mirror and comment on being a "chunk".....ahhhh, the answer to the test....when I was handed over to my mother after birth, the delivery room nurse called me a "chunk"....uh huh...now I get it. The power of one comment can be life lasting....
With that said, I now have to accomplish a few tasks for the university that pays my salary.
Have a great day and I will leave you with a Murphy Brown quote: “Oh god, my body’s making milk. It’s like one day discovering you can get bacon out of your elbow.”
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Crunch Time
Yes...it's "go-time". Buttercup has been in labor since midnight and it looks like there is no turning back. She is ready. Grammy and Poppy are ready. I am not ready. Why?
Hmmmm, after careful thought, this baby is the next generation in the BP family. It means that I now have a great-niece. Yes, she will be great, but it is pretty clear that I am now one of the aunts that I always considered "old" in my youth. Ouch!
I know that getting older is inevitable, but a baby really punctuates the reality. I was thrilled when Buttercup was born because she was our first niece, and now, here is her baby. Wow....life does go on, doesn't it?
And so, I will fulfill my responsibilities as soon as possible, drive by the bakery and pick up some baby cookies and get to the hospital as soon as I can. Unfortunately, I cannot be there to sit with Big Sis but my spidey senses tell me that she has her hands full and does not need one more person in the mix. Even if it is me....her favorite middle sister.....:-D
As far as my leftie is concerned, he has his sociology final then will be home tonight for a week. He has to return to campus next week for the final home stand. I am not sure how he will get there. Perhaps he can drive the baby's Little Tikes cozy coupe or take the Mega Bus.....
Got to run....boil hot water...get towels.....Merlot time....nope, let's make it champagne!
Hmmmm, after careful thought, this baby is the next generation in the BP family. It means that I now have a great-niece. Yes, she will be great, but it is pretty clear that I am now one of the aunts that I always considered "old" in my youth. Ouch!
I know that getting older is inevitable, but a baby really punctuates the reality. I was thrilled when Buttercup was born because she was our first niece, and now, here is her baby. Wow....life does go on, doesn't it?
And so, I will fulfill my responsibilities as soon as possible, drive by the bakery and pick up some baby cookies and get to the hospital as soon as I can. Unfortunately, I cannot be there to sit with Big Sis but my spidey senses tell me that she has her hands full and does not need one more person in the mix. Even if it is me....her favorite middle sister.....:-D
As far as my leftie is concerned, he has his sociology final then will be home tonight for a week. He has to return to campus next week for the final home stand. I am not sure how he will get there. Perhaps he can drive the baby's Little Tikes cozy coupe or take the Mega Bus.....
Got to run....boil hot water...get towels.....Merlot time....nope, let's make it champagne!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
You'll always be my baby
Good morning and happy May! I did not post the last two days due to a number of scheduling conflicts. To answer THE question, "No, Buttercup did not have her baby. She is indeed still pregnant." And now, the wait continues. Like most people, I do not have the patience to wait for something wonderful to happen. If the future holds a test or something like a colonoscopy or root canal, then I am the most patient person in the world. Yet, for happy events like a new baby, I need to deep breathe and concentrate on other things such as work.
Work has slowed down to the point where I can do other things like play tennis or work out and not miss anything. Unfortunately, I cannot play tennis for another few weeks and I have had to find other ways to relax or occupy my time. Sadly, these activities have included eating with a Merlot or two and therefore, I doubt that I will be able to fit into my tennis clothes when the time comes to pick up a racquet again. There is nothing worse than a too tight tennis outfit on a woman or man for that matter. Denial that I am a bit doughy will not help me. The only thing that will help this girl is the denial of food and back on the treadmill...or never look in the mirror again.
As far as the big kid is concerned, he is taking his last exams and will be back in the stable tomorrow evening. Yep, he's coming home! With mixed emotions, I am thrilled to see him for a prolonged period but am realistic enough to understand that he continues to mature and will not be the same guy that he was before he left. He's the world's big kid now and not mine. I have to step back and let him continue to grow into the man that he is destined to become. This is one of the toughest parts of parenting. In fact, it is something that I can share with Buttercup as she delivers her first baby.
Buttercup, baby, you are about to embark on one the the most unforgettable journeys of your life. Your child will become the reason for your existence. Remember when finding the right prom gown was the most important thing in your life or acing the geometry test? Well, this child will trump anything of significance that has occurred in your life. In fact, this child is going to begin to define your life.
Once the kids came, I was no longer identified as someone's wife, friend, or professor. I was Tink and Buddy's mom. In fact, none of the teachers, friends, or parents knew what I did for a living. All they knew was that I was Buddy and Tink's mom. It is a role that I cherish and would not trade in for anything including winning the PowerBall or Megamillions. Being the best parent that you can be begins with being the best person that you can become. The parenting will flow naturally from having a set of standards and a heart so big that you can do or survive anything as long as your child is safe and happy. Giving your child the love that he or she needs to develop a sense or safety, comfort, and confidence will help them to grow and succeed in our crazy world. Letting them know that no matter what, your love for them is safe allows them to move forward, try new activities, and have a sense of family and self. Will it only be about love? Nope, but the love will help you to navigate through the turbulent waters of life when it knocks on the door in the form of a new boy friend, a stray puppy, a pet snake, clogged toilets, letter from the home room teacher, calls from friend's parents, creation of dioramas, posters, science fair projects, and speeches.
You'll need this love when she is cut from the softball team, debate team, or honor guard. Love will come in handy when the boy that she likes is in love with the 13 year old "skank" down the street. Oh yeah, love is essential when she is applying to college or for grants and fellowships and she is denied admission to her favorite university in California. Yet, love will keep you in your seat while you sit through the worst musical in the world or have to engage in another school fund raiser. You will buy cookies, popcorn, light bulbs, magazines, cookie dough, and pizza. And while the money flies out of your wallet, you will ask what else you can do to support your child and her peers.
Then the unthinkable happens....she is a teenager. She no longer wants to go to the mall with you or wear the clothes that you select. Baby would rather hang out with her friends. Why? They don't even drive yet. They don't have credit cards? What does she see in these silly girls? Well, she sees individuals just like her who are beginning to figure life out. They have a lot in common and you are just her mom. Here is where you put on your cloak of invisibility and watch unnoticed from a distance.
Eventually, she will come back to you and begin to see that you are more than her mother. You are a person with history, ideas, and a personality that she enjoys. In fact, she wants to be with you more and more. She will ask for your advice about guys, clothes, school, and work. You will develop a new and more mature relationship. And guess what? You will like it. You can sit back and enjoy the person that she has become. Give her roots and wings and watch the beauty unfold.
As Mariah Carey sings:
"You'll always be a part of me
I'm part of you indefinitely
Boy don't you know you can't escape me
Ooh darling 'cause you'll always be my baby
And we'll linger on
Time can't erase a feeling this strong
No way you're never gonna shake me
Ooh darling 'cause you'll always be my baby"
So, Buttercup, Mariah is right.....she will always be your baby. Just like my big leftie and his sister Tink will be mine....You're gonna be a mommy. There is no greater role in this world than raising the next generation of doctors, dentists, nurses, educators, and individuals. Be there when she needs you, yet step back when she doesn't. It's not personal....it is the natural progression of life.
You'll always be my baby........
Work has slowed down to the point where I can do other things like play tennis or work out and not miss anything. Unfortunately, I cannot play tennis for another few weeks and I have had to find other ways to relax or occupy my time. Sadly, these activities have included eating with a Merlot or two and therefore, I doubt that I will be able to fit into my tennis clothes when the time comes to pick up a racquet again. There is nothing worse than a too tight tennis outfit on a woman or man for that matter. Denial that I am a bit doughy will not help me. The only thing that will help this girl is the denial of food and back on the treadmill...or never look in the mirror again.
As far as the big kid is concerned, he is taking his last exams and will be back in the stable tomorrow evening. Yep, he's coming home! With mixed emotions, I am thrilled to see him for a prolonged period but am realistic enough to understand that he continues to mature and will not be the same guy that he was before he left. He's the world's big kid now and not mine. I have to step back and let him continue to grow into the man that he is destined to become. This is one of the toughest parts of parenting. In fact, it is something that I can share with Buttercup as she delivers her first baby.
Buttercup, baby, you are about to embark on one the the most unforgettable journeys of your life. Your child will become the reason for your existence. Remember when finding the right prom gown was the most important thing in your life or acing the geometry test? Well, this child will trump anything of significance that has occurred in your life. In fact, this child is going to begin to define your life.
Once the kids came, I was no longer identified as someone's wife, friend, or professor. I was Tink and Buddy's mom. In fact, none of the teachers, friends, or parents knew what I did for a living. All they knew was that I was Buddy and Tink's mom. It is a role that I cherish and would not trade in for anything including winning the PowerBall or Megamillions. Being the best parent that you can be begins with being the best person that you can become. The parenting will flow naturally from having a set of standards and a heart so big that you can do or survive anything as long as your child is safe and happy. Giving your child the love that he or she needs to develop a sense or safety, comfort, and confidence will help them to grow and succeed in our crazy world. Letting them know that no matter what, your love for them is safe allows them to move forward, try new activities, and have a sense of family and self. Will it only be about love? Nope, but the love will help you to navigate through the turbulent waters of life when it knocks on the door in the form of a new boy friend, a stray puppy, a pet snake, clogged toilets, letter from the home room teacher, calls from friend's parents, creation of dioramas, posters, science fair projects, and speeches.
You'll need this love when she is cut from the softball team, debate team, or honor guard. Love will come in handy when the boy that she likes is in love with the 13 year old "skank" down the street. Oh yeah, love is essential when she is applying to college or for grants and fellowships and she is denied admission to her favorite university in California. Yet, love will keep you in your seat while you sit through the worst musical in the world or have to engage in another school fund raiser. You will buy cookies, popcorn, light bulbs, magazines, cookie dough, and pizza. And while the money flies out of your wallet, you will ask what else you can do to support your child and her peers.
Then the unthinkable happens....she is a teenager. She no longer wants to go to the mall with you or wear the clothes that you select. Baby would rather hang out with her friends. Why? They don't even drive yet. They don't have credit cards? What does she see in these silly girls? Well, she sees individuals just like her who are beginning to figure life out. They have a lot in common and you are just her mom. Here is where you put on your cloak of invisibility and watch unnoticed from a distance.
Eventually, she will come back to you and begin to see that you are more than her mother. You are a person with history, ideas, and a personality that she enjoys. In fact, she wants to be with you more and more. She will ask for your advice about guys, clothes, school, and work. You will develop a new and more mature relationship. And guess what? You will like it. You can sit back and enjoy the person that she has become. Give her roots and wings and watch the beauty unfold.
As Mariah Carey sings:
"You'll always be a part of me
I'm part of you indefinitely
Boy don't you know you can't escape me
Ooh darling 'cause you'll always be my baby
And we'll linger on
Time can't erase a feeling this strong
No way you're never gonna shake me
Ooh darling 'cause you'll always be my baby"
So, Buttercup, Mariah is right.....she will always be your baby. Just like my big leftie and his sister Tink will be mine....You're gonna be a mommy. There is no greater role in this world than raising the next generation of doctors, dentists, nurses, educators, and individuals. Be there when she needs you, yet step back when she doesn't. It's not personal....it is the natural progression of life.
You'll always be my baby........
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