Last night Ben gave me my mother’s day card early. He was so excited he couldn’t wait! which totally charmed me. When I gave him a big hug and thanked him, Nico started to sob. Like big, crocodile tears sob. And then he sputtered, “BEN DIDN’T GIVE ME A MOTHER’S DAY CARD!” and sobbed some more.
“I have a surprise for you Nico!” I exclaimed and RAN to our back studio where I scribbled, Happy Mother’s Day Nico! Love, Mama on a piece of watercolor paper.
“Close your eyes and hold out your hands!” I told him.
And when I lay the card in his tiny palms he looked genuinely pleased.
And then Ben started to cry from the couch. “You didn’t give ME a Mother’s Day card and you got one for NICO!!”
Oy vey. Back to the studio.
Happy Mother’s Day Ben! Love, Mama
And when I gave him the card he looked happy for a split second and then he wrinkled his brow, “You just gave this to me because I got mad!” and started crying again.
This whole scene – comical, tragic, annoying, heartwarming, irrational, hilarious- somehow illustrates motherhood at this stage so well.
You don’t get to pick and choose. You’ve got to take the whole enchilada. The whole crazy package.
Happy Mother’s day everyone! Love, Andrea
4 Comments
Oh girl, girl, girl, girl, grrrrrrrl. This mothering thing is no joke. Right??? There are tears and sweet moments and anger and hugs – and it comes in waves sometimes. Thank you for telling the truth yet again. You rock. You inspire me. You are a great mom. Love you bunches!!!
Thank you Gail! XO
..One of my sisters, honoured me with a card and gift often, for mother’s day.. We are four sisters & one brother! and I became aware that this sister also sent, in fairness a card & gift, to (every one-of-us) on this occasion. No-one was left out! ..I think we are (all) here, to (look out for each other) – and are in this-together. Your boys sure are looking great Andrea! -my child is now 20! Good gosh! ..He has often been the guide, I have found.
love the last photo, your boys are such beauties!