Beached Whale/ Mama

So, Quinn and I had a great day today.... but I have this new love, understanding, and fear about motherhood. Basically it comes back to this:

It is really hard.

Whether you are doing it right or wrong, it is really hard, but doing it right can really beat the life out of you. I wouldn't give it up for anything, but seriously, the best day could kill you.

I remember thinking this when Quinn was just a few weeks old. PERFECT BABY. She (and I) followed the Baby Wise book perfectly, and she literally slept all night and all day only waking up for food every 3 hours. Perfect. right? But I still remember sitting in my rocking chair one day just crying because I was so tired. Everything was perfect, and yet I was SOOOOO tired.

Then today Quinn and I took a walk, drove the car (together), stopped to see the horses and said "Hi" to the Camels and the cows all before 9 a.m.

I was an awesome mom. She was a great daughter.

And then we had a little falling out.

I explained my expectations that she get in the car (In her chair).... and she thought about them. And after a lot of patience, she "made a great choice."

We drove away from the cows on a quest to find some buses to look at and say, "Oh, a bus!!" (Which is Quinn's favorite activity.) And as we drove, I thought, "I am so tired." I taught. She learned. We both got what we wanted, and I am SO tired.

Later my little angel and I took a Mama/ Quinny outing to the pool. We swam and laughed and went on the slide. Later when Lindsay asked, "How was swimming?" I said, "It was great. I mean there is always a battle or two, but it was great." (She wanted another little boys Cars water shoes, and it started to fall apart from there. We worked it out, and then it ended with her falling off the curb and we carrying her and two big bags to the car.)

Even the best days are hard days. But I think that is what eventually makes it all worth it.

Mr. Poe used to say, "Stay away from people who take obstacles away from you." I told this to a student recently, and she said, "Why?" I said, "Because obstacles make you work. Work makes you become who you want to become, and that is what makes us happy in the end (and in the moment if we admit it.)"

So, I guess we are safe with our kids.

Hats off to all the mamas, today. I have a new love for all of you.


P.S. I explained to Quinn today why Mommy takes pills in the morning, and why they are not vitamins or candy that Quinn can have. She understand and said with a sad face, "Mommy, ouchy in my head, too." Later, baby. Later.