I'll push myself up through the dirt and shake my petals free
I'm resigned to being born and so resigned to bravery.
~Dar Williams

Monday, May 24, 2010

Perspective

During the past 12 weeks, I have found myself weeping occasionally as I've tried to adjust to post-pregnancy hormones, a shocking lack-of sleep, and a complete revamping of my life.

A couple days ago, I was having such a spell and Tim asked me what was the matter. I explained that I felt a little overwhelmed by the fact that I was responsible for keeping Baby Squiggles alive. Forget worrying about ways to create a loving and stimulating environment in which she will thrive and reach her full physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual potential - I must first and foremost keep the child alive.

I ended my tearful speech by exclaiming that I didn't know how I was going to care for the child when I couldn't even keep most of my plants alive. Tim nodded in concession. He looked thoughtful for a moment, and said, "But... look on the bright side - your fake plants look fantastic!"

I've decided to take comfort in this.




5 comments:

Cami said...

Plants, unlike babies and children, do not have the evolutionary equipment to make somebody keep them alive (I did not hear my wilting African Violets this morning saying, "Mommy mommy I want breakfast" a thousand times unlike another specimen who lives here). Houseplants are begging for extinction, if you ask me.

Karen said...

That is the BEST looking fake plant I have ever seen! Tim is onto something. You are going to make one amazing mom. You already are Laura.

Erin said...

Yes, I'm with Cami. I am certain that baby A has a set of lungs on her to rival the most avid Red Sox fan. And seeing as she's your daughter, I'm certain she won't be afraid to use them. ;-)

So just remember to trust yourself. And you know, get some sleep sometimes.

Joe and Joanne said...

:) You're right. Sometimes it's all in the perspective.

Don't worry - baby squiggles will stay alive - you are a great mother and doing all things right. Furthermore, even though they are small and delicate in many ways, they are also very resiliant.

Sorry about the post-pardom hormones...those are no joke and I hope pass soon enough. You know that if you ever need a hand with baby squiggles or just an ear to talk to, I am here!

Jill said...

I know those feelings all to well. I remember feeling exactly like you when I was trying to keep two babies alive at once! What I learned is that babies and children are not fragile. They are very hearty, kind of like fake plants that way, so don't worry too much. Just take a nap now and then to clear your brain.

You doing great!