Last night, in honor of Mother's Day, I decided to be "Fun Mom." So when my two oldest girls asked for about the kajbillionth time if they could sleep outside in the playhouse, I thought about it. Reasons for saying "No": school night, it might rain, you'll be scared out there alone, spiders, too cold, you won't sleep well, lightning, bears, boogey men, you are just too little and I need you close where I can check on you and know you are safe and sound at all times!
But "Fun Mom" decided, despite these factors, it was time to say "Yes."
But "Fun Mom" decided, despite these factors, it was time to say "Yes."
I was then told I am the best mom in the whole wide universe.
Certain the girls would run inside cold and terrified by 9:30, I left porch lights on and doors slightly ajar.
9:30 passed, and certain the girls would wake up cold and terrified by midnight, I sent Caleb out with extra blankets and opened all the back bedroom windows so I could hear their nocturnal screams and run to the rescue.
Midnight passed and I woke up, cold and terrified that I might have slept through shrieks or door pounding. I donned a robe and my glasses and peered out back windows into the darkness. Finding them peacefully asleep still, I returned to bed and dreamed fitfully until morning of outdoor slumber parties gone awry.
At 7:45 the girls ran in, giggling and exhilarated from their peaceful playhouse repose.
And it seems they need me less and less.
Or maybe they begin to need me differently.
Need me to hover less and to trust more. To rule less, and to teach more.
Definitely to love more, and allow them a little more room to grow.
Thanks to my mother, who loved me more, and allowed me room to grow.
Thanks to you women out there who may have slept fitfully a night or two over a child.
A special thanks to you beautiful women in my life who would love more than anything to have a fitful sleep over a child, and haven't had that blessing in your life yet. Thank you for the nurturing and love you give my children, I am grateful for it more than I can say. You know who you are, and you are in my prayers every day.
Happy Mother's Day.
Certain the girls would run inside cold and terrified by 9:30, I left porch lights on and doors slightly ajar.
9:30 passed, and certain the girls would wake up cold and terrified by midnight, I sent Caleb out with extra blankets and opened all the back bedroom windows so I could hear their nocturnal screams and run to the rescue.
Midnight passed and I woke up, cold and terrified that I might have slept through shrieks or door pounding. I donned a robe and my glasses and peered out back windows into the darkness. Finding them peacefully asleep still, I returned to bed and dreamed fitfully until morning of outdoor slumber parties gone awry.
At 7:45 the girls ran in, giggling and exhilarated from their peaceful playhouse repose.
And it seems they need me less and less.
Or maybe they begin to need me differently.
Need me to hover less and to trust more. To rule less, and to teach more.
Definitely to love more, and allow them a little more room to grow.
Thanks to my mother, who loved me more, and allowed me room to grow.
Thanks to you women out there who may have slept fitfully a night or two over a child.
A special thanks to you beautiful women in my life who would love more than anything to have a fitful sleep over a child, and haven't had that blessing in your life yet. Thank you for the nurturing and love you give my children, I am grateful for it more than I can say. You know who you are, and you are in my prayers every day.
Happy Mother's Day.
12 comments:
Lovely post, Kate. I bet they had a very fun night. They would have gotten wet here! Good for them and you for being brave. Happy Mother's Day to you!
Oh how fun for the girls! But a little sad for mama.
Even Aspen's little accomplishments (feeding herself, rolling over) make me realize she'll need me less every day.
What a sweet post. Thank you. Love you :)
What a great post! And Wow! I can't believe they stayed out there all night! Brave little girls! Glad they had fun, and you are definitely a FUN Mom!
The smile was constant through the whole story. What a life lesson, mile stone for you. To watch these girls sleep successfully on their own, out in the wild; truly a big day.
You, my friend, are a remarkable Mother.
My tears came fast when I got the part about your Mother. You know what fascinates me? Not all Mothers were like mine and yours. My Mom never, ever told me what do to. She set an example or she would say, "do you think that is a good idea"... and then let me make my own decision. Remarkable as I get older to meet people who's mom's were not like this. I could type forever.
Happiest of Mothers Day's to you.
Love,
R~
I would have been the same way ~ waking up at every hour. I'm impressed that they actually made it all night! Happy mother's day!!! You're a grand one!
Ooh, scary! Why to have faith and restraint! Jack would have said, "Here's your reward!" And given you a big hug.
You are so sweet Kate. So sweet. I am so glad I get to hear your mom lessons. I learn from them. Happy Mother's day to you too!
How brave you are. I don't think I'm ready to be fun mum yet.
Happy mothers day.
Well, that was a teary read. Thanks, Kate. As always, your insight is inspiring.
Thank you for sharing your story.It's hard to watch them grow up sometimes.
Thanks, Auntie Kate. You made me cry. :)
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