wishmamas :: embrace the craziness, the beautiful chaos!
August 8, 2010
Today my morning started out like any other and then we had about a two hour speed bump (more like train wreck!) My oldest daughter wouldn’t wake up no matter how many honey, sweeties and pumpkins I whispered into her ear. After finally coaxing her out of bed with the smell of blueberry waffles she became upset because one of her waffles had a burnt edge so she refused to eat them but first she managed to get blueberries and syrup all over her last clean uniform shirt. My little one decided to pour her milk all over the floor and then happily jump in it like a glorious puddle of rain. When I went to go get some paper towels to clean up the mess she went into the bathroom two feet away and proceeded to smear an entire tube of toothpaste into her hair and everywhere else her little hands could reach. She proudly comes out to tell us she smells minty! My oldest was now going to be late for school so I put a hat on the little ones head and we’re off! We get her to school just in time. When we get home I try to pry the little ones hat off that is now glued to her head with hardened toothpaste. Bath time ( ok, now we’re getting somewhere!) We laugh and make bubble faces until she announces Mom I pooped! Just another magical morning in the Ferrante house!
You see my Mom died when I was five. This led to many years of imagining and sort of creating the mom I wished I could have had. I would imagine this playful, loving, silly mom who loved nothing more than spending time with me. I was not fortunate enough to have this but I was fortunate enough to realize that I could be her to my little girls.
Because I’ve had some hard times in life i’m blessed to know the difference between a real problem and a series of crazy events that when you take a minute to look at are quite funny. I’m no saint, far from it but I try to live my life with few regrets. Sometimes we have to just laugh and think of it as a moment that will be over in the blink of an eye. My babies will not be babies for long. Pretty soon you’ll have nothing but free time to create and you’ll crave the beautiful chaos , the magical moments even the poop in the tub! The time I crave to paint will be replaced with the time I crave being with my children so enjoy it while it’s right in front of you looking at you with big blue eyes and fairy wings!
This is so beautiful. I also lost my mom at a pretty young age, and I have to admit I’ve always been a little scared about becoming a mom myself. Like would I really know how to do it? I’m pregnant now and still wonder how my mothering skills will turn out. Being patient, embracing the chaos (because it is funny afterward, isn’t it?), and trusting the universe… It’s really the only way to go.
Thank you so much, I really think it helps us realize how sacred the bond is between mother and child. You’ll be a wonderful mommy, congratulations!
I loved this post! I am definitely in the midst of chaos right now…with a 2 yo and 4 yo daughter…trying as hard as I can to capture the memories and keep them for later, when the chaos is gone…you look like you’re doing an awesome job with your girlies!!
How absolutely adorable. I am touched by your honesty and inspired by your playful attitude with your children. Lovely!
Kristen and Lisa,
Thank you both so much for your kind words, it really means alot to me!
Lisa
I must respond as this post is SO SPOT ON!! My mother died in 1967, when I was 11, and there have been (and still are) so many things I’d love to know about her, ask her, laugh with her about…. so I too created my own amalgamation of motherhood with my 2 daughters (now 22 & 24). I remember all that chaos, and not always appreciating the fullness of it. You are so wise to see this and cherish it. Now, with my girls leading their own lives, I do have the time to play with my art ~ and I cherish that!
I especially like the way you put this Lisa: Because I’ve had some hard times in life i’m blessed to know the difference between a real problem and a series of crazy events that when you take a minute to look at are quite funny. As a person and, these days, as a full time high school teacher, this comes in handy on a DAILY BASIS!
Thanks for such great sharing, sorry I got so windy here ;)
xo
Gaye
Gaye,
Thank you , you really do understand. I ‘m so thankful for all of the beautiful kindness everyone has given me. It’s so great to connect to other creative mothers who really ‘get it’! It can be so isolating at times working from home and not having a little community or tribe to share with so thank you so much!
very touching and beautiful!
Lisa,
This was great. I really related, especially after my daughter pooped in her bed at nap time yesterday. :)
You are doing great!
xo,
dana
Thank you guys for all of the support and love!