I was traveling this week so I haven’t blogged, nor have I read other blogs. However I did travel by myself with both kids, so I’m pretty sure that makes me a superhero. No seriously – where is my award?
We visited my sister, who is a new mother adjusting to life with her 7-week-old. She’s still in those early bleary-eyed days of parenthood where you don’t yet have a routine, you’re still figuring out how your kid works, and you frequently question whether you’re doing anything right.
One day she had to run a quick errand so she left the baby with me, in addition to my own two spawn. When she returned she was in awe that I had both babies down to sleep, I had taken a shower, and I was starting to bake some pumpkin bread. Even I was impressed with myself. I believe I may have said something along the lines of, “Take that bitches!” when she walked in the door.
In the security line at the airport I could practically feel the burning stares of passengers behind me. “Oh gawd we’re stuck behind the single lady with two kids. This will take FOREVER.”
With a baby in one arm I managed to single-handedly get out my liquids, take off my shoes, pull out my ipad, lift all bags on the belt, collapse the stroller – and put it all back together on the other end. With speed.
The chump behind me eventually asked if he could help in the final two seconds of my stroller reassembly. I politely declined, at which point the TSA agent made some comment about the amazing juggling skills of mothers. Damn straight.
I admit it – I get an ego boost from some of these everyday parenting achievements. And why shouldn’t I? This shit is hard work. When I had a paying job, I would get recognition – hell, maybe even a promotion! – if I expended this much energy or demonstrated such heroics.
It reminds me of this video if you haven’t already seen it. Every badass parent deserves a rap video.
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One of the few things I did read this week was this post which has also gotten loads of interweb chatter for its fabulous message to make sure moms take photos of themselves with their kids, not just of their kids.
It always bummed me out that there are very few photos of me with my mom when I was a young child. I have tried to be better about this, but this was a great reminder.
Banana Wheels 
Wonderful reminder — I’m already noticing how few pictures there are of me with my daughter. Ima hafta change that. And yes, momma — you are badass!
Yep – better to start getting in the habit early of having someone else take the photos every once in a while.
You inspire me with your one handed juggling skills. I would be in awe if I saw someone do all of that at the airport. Way to go girl! I have a lot of work to do to get there. I’m just getting used to changing a diaper with 2 hands! I love that parent rap video, thanks for sharing the link.
Suz
I have days where I can’t juggle at all – which partly why I take pride on the days when I do. It never ceases to amaze me when I see another mother juggling with ease – or the fact that so many do it so effortlessly. You have twins – you will juggle the pants off everyone!
Moms need to celebrate these moments where we are like masters of the crazy universe more often. I take pride in a job well done too. I have my own multitasking moments of fame. We need brag books.
I don’t have many pictures of me and my daughter together. The ones I do are often posed because I have set up the camera to do an auto photo-shoot. I am usually the one behind the camera in my house.
Mommy brag books! You should invent that. 🙂 I don’t know how to do auto-shoot but I should figure it out so I have that option too.
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You should be proud! I, alas, have lost those skills, but I remember them well.
Thanks! Part of me will be ready to lose these skills when the day comes. Because I am assuming/hoping it may equate to a life with more sleep and less chaos. But I won’t hold my breath.