Thursday, May 08, 2008

Thursday Thirteen - Kids are the best Life Coaches




With Mother's Day coming up this weekend, I thought I'd take the time to reflect on the things that my children have taught me since I've joined the trenches of Mommyhood. I'm not the quickest study, but eventually I'll get it:

1. Pride.

Shyness is nice, but shyess can stop you. And shyness is me. But not so much my kids. And that makes me proud.




2. Patience.

Not one of my best virtues to begin with.

Reading the favourite bedtime story for the fourth time without wanting to scratch my eyes out. Then tucking the chatty preschooler into bed with another personal (sometimes made-up) childhood anecdote. Re-tucking her in for the 6th time and loving the request for the tummy rub and even the dismissive "You can go now mommy" as she fades to sleep. Yeah, I do that now.

3. Courage.

To even contemplate labour and delivery. Better yet, look forward to someone the size of a watermelon coming out from through the whoo-hoo. Twice in a lifetime.

I've learned to be fierce. Don't even think about hittin' my kid in the playground, because although I'm no Mr. Lady, I can hold my own:

15



4. Humour. I laugh at burps and farts, as long as they're my kids'. Even the husband doesn't enjoy that distinction.

5. Dexterity. Carrying a knapsack, diaper bag, beach bag, snack bag and five-year old's hand in one hand, baby carrier including baby in the other. That was my summer of 2005.

6. Fear. Watching my boy fall from the swing with a thud, thinking he's cracked his skull open.

Not seeing him at the playground within five minutes of when he's expected, only to find him playing a bit further down at the other playground.

Seeing my 3 year old go hurtling headfirst toward the door frame in her too-big shoes, witnessing the sharp edged mark on her forehead, just thanking the stars that she missed her eye.

In a busy department store, not realizing I'm in the middle of an impromptu game of hide-and-seek with a two year old who's suddenly perfected the skill of remaining still and silent.

Fear.

7. Expect the Unexpected.

Poops in the bath - check.
Sticky-gooey-gluey play-doh peeling the varnish off the antique table -check. Glittery silly putty stuck to the broadloom - check.
Untold smelly treasures on the floor of the van -check.
Last year's chocolate eggs squished into the dark corners of the sofa/trampoline - check.
Super sweet hug around the neck after a wrestling laughfest-tears to the eyes and - check.

This is just the beginning, I know.

8. Selflessness. Motherhood. Synonyms.

9. Determination. Getting him to shower more than once a week. Sourcing the Wii. Battling to be second in line for kindergarten registration.

11. Ingenuity. This one I need to learn more from the hubs. Make every chore a game, instead of a shouting match. Kitchen utensils, putting away the laundry, getting dressed, brushing the teeth, it's a race against time or each other ... events worthy of the Olympics.

Diversion tactics during tantrums ... look at the robin's egg; hey isn't that a plane in the sky; let's play basketball, but finish up the reading homework first ...

12. Fun


13. Love.

The enduring love between a mother and her two precious children.

A bond that knows no bounds.

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there.



13 comments:

Karen said...

Those are awesome qualities! Great list.

Pauline said...

I like this list. And may I ask, is the Thursday 13 a blogging tradition I need to learn about? I'm still new, and hello, just figured out that wordless wednesday is something everybody does!
anyway, hello from a new weekend blog hopper!

Unknown said...

What a wonderful post, Karen! I hope to someday SOON be able to experience the joys of Mommyhood too!!! XOXO

Blog said...

Awww! So nice! I'm all fahklempt now.... Happy Mother's Day, my friend! :)

Momisodes said...

Those are some fantastic qualities :) You are indeed fierce! Taking on 15 kids and battling in line for kinder registration :)

Hope you have a fantastic Mother's Day weekend!

Anonymous said...

Excellent post, Karen Meg! Happy Mother's Day to you!

Kamis Khlopchyk said...

Karen, this post is fantastic!

All true and so eloquently put:-)

Beck said...

Oh, this was AMAZING!

April said...

Happy Mother's Day!

Jenny86753oh9 said...

Wonderful list....its' a great summary of motherhood. I loved the photo booth pics!

Happy Mother's Day to you too!!

Family Adventure said...

You made me get all snively. Happy Mother's Day, Karen! :)

Heidi

Heidi said...

That is a beautiful sweet list.
I can take on 27 5 year olds! It must be my lack of morals and ability to fight dirty.

LunaNik said...

Great list...ain't it da truth!!

Happy Mothers Day!!!!

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