Megret on Motherhood

I apologize for the shortage on posts lately. Really, our life has been pretty much normal, reflecting the description of my good friend, Sara's , life with her husband and baby, as well. Normal isn't a bad thing. It's comforting sometimes. Some big things have happened, such as my cousing marrying, and Gardner moving into his new room (see his blog for details). But all in all, it's been a steady slew of laundry, cooking, cleaning, and yard work. Still haven't gotten to use any of those crafty little projects I have sitting on the shelf, but I plan to get to them soon. I have some great toddler activity and craft books to recommend, if anyone's interested. Great stuff.

I experienced just this morning the scariest five minutes of my life (well, sort of)..... Somehow, I got locked outside. I was out in the garage trying to get paint supplies, Gardner ran out with just a diaper on, and the cat was under our Jeep (who knows how she got out). I grabbed the cat, then picked up Gardner, depositing him inside. The door shut, I said, "Oh, no," and felt the doorknob. Yep. Locked. I quickly reviewed in my mind as to whether there were any other unlocked doors, upstairs or off the patio. Nope. I began to feel the cat's claws digging into my sides, with her starting to panic, sensing my stress. I threw her into the storage room. As I neared the door again, I could hear Gardner figiting with the lock on the doorknob. "Gardner, sweetie....open the door for Mommy. Open the door. Turn the lock. See that little button on the door? Turn it. TURN it. Open the door for Mommy." More figiting. A giggle. I began to violently crank a

Mom told me once about this shampoo back from the 70s that literally had this name. This isn't the name of Gardner's new shampoo, but it should be. I bought some of the toddler-inspired line of Huggies shampoos...and they smell amazing. Even better than the powdery baby scents that we left behind us. I can't help but to tell Gardner every time I wash and then later comb his blonde hair, or even the next day as I merely sniff his hair as I snuggle with him in our rocking chair...."Gee, your hair smells great." I couldn't put my finger on why I like that scent so much. It was more than likely because it reminded me of a scent from my past, something from my own childhood that gave it double significance. Tonight, during bathtime, it hit me. It smells like this little bottle of pink-colored Barbie cologne that I wore as a little girl. It came in the box with one of my Barbie dolls, and I dabbed on the light scent every time I left the house. Just enough fl

Gardner's getting so much FUN. I know it seems like an obvious statement, but sometimes it hits us how incredibly fun it is becoming now that he's a little toddler boy, not just an infant. He's like a companion throughout the day, not just a little cherub that I take care of for 12 hours. It amazes me when I see this little complete person, stemming from something that once was not....he's now his own self, and yet we can see parts of each other in his attributes and mannerisms. One of the most awesome parts of parenthood, in my opinion. It's not just once a day that I find myself laughing (bent over) at something funny he does or says. His little fake "political laugh" just slays me. The fact that he desperately believes that when HIS eyes are closed, we can't see him anymore. How excited he gets over the mention of a fig newton cookie (you'd think we'd have just offered him part ownership to Chuck E. Cheese Pizza, not just "fruit

A four-day trip away with your significant other: $600 (of which 75% was just the hotel fees for a non-ocean-front room at the beach on Memorial Day weekend...ugh.) Three meals at the Whole Foods Market deli: $45 One manicure at "Fantastic Fingers," complete with lowcountry gossip from a myriad of interesting female coworkers: $40 Coming home to the cutest 20-month old on the planet, who's equally as happy to have you back as you are to be back: Priceless.

I think one of the hardest parts of being a mom is figuring out the delicate balance between being there and getting away. As mothers, we have chosen to take on the incredible responsibility of being there for our children and our husbands, day or night, 24/7. We are the ones who rise at 3am for the feedings in most cases....we are the ones who get the call from a scared child who's just had a bad dream....and we're also likely the one who's called when the child becomes ill or injured at school and needs to be picked up and taken home. I love being needed. I'll just be completely honest about that....I love knowing that sometimes my touch is the only touch that will heal a little bruised heart. I love hearing the word, "Mommy." It never gets old to my ears. I love being the one who lovingly prepares and serves meals to my family....and who seeks with all her heart to provide a haven for a home for those who I love so much. I don't know if anyone else