A Different Mama

I used to be such a good mother.

My sons didn’t watch television during the week.  They celebrated with a Friday movie night where they alternated choosing the movie.  They ate healthy items like all-natural wheat bread, peanut butter with no added sugar, and fruit juice popsicles.  Homework was done immediately after school, under my nearby-to-help-but-not-to-give-answers supervision.  They would brush their teeth and then I would have a turn, to ensure that every cranny was scrubbed.

How I have changed.  I am a different mama than I used to be.

My daughters watch a movie every day of the week (gasp!).  They eat all-natural white bread, cheap peanut butter, and fudge popsicles (gasp!).  I discovered that Eloise’s zany brain can focus better on homework if she has time to unwind first (gasp!).  And she finishes her homework and then I check it (gasp!).  Same with the teeth (gasp!).

But you know what?

The kids are happier.  And I am happier.  Life is more fun.

Every night, and I admit I look forward to it, Millie has been coming downstairs for more kisses and hugs after we’ve finished the elaborate bedtime routine.  She usually molds her body against mine, and I luxuriate in the feel of her small body curled in my arms.  I seize the opportunity to smell her clean hair and shower her with kisses.

Mr.Mayhem does not look forward to her nightly visits with the same enthusiasm.

Tonight, Mr.Mayhem & I were attempting to watch a movie.  I was stretched out on the couch with Mr.Mayhem sprawled next to me.  Millie came flying into the room like clockwork, clutching her American Girl doll, Ruthie.  She had dressed Ruthie in a set of matching pajamas.

“Guys, it’s really terrible tonight!” she cried dramatically, flinging Ruthie onto the ottoman and collapsing on top of me.

She curled into a ball on my lap while I wrapped my arms around her and planted kisses on her damp hair.  Mr.Mayhem & I both laughed at her choice of words.

“Millie, you need to come up with something different,”  he said.  “You’ve had the same story every night.  We know you’re not scared because there is nothing to be afraid of, and Eloise sleeps five feet away from you!”

He laughed and continued, “Try coming up with something different, like saying your leg hurts…”

I jabbed him on the leg and shot him an angry look.  I could envision a trip to the doctor after physical complaints.

“…or you need a drink of water.”

I huffed and gave both girls (of course, Eloise had followed Millie downstairs) one more kiss and sent them on their way.

Mr.Mayhem & I restarted the movie for the 55th time after being interrupted by the kids (the boys had already visited a few times).

A few minutes later Millie runs back into the room, triumphantly, and leaps on top of me.  She calls out,  victorious, “Guys, I thought of something different!”

” I have a loose tooth!”

Tagged as: children, mothering