Tuesday, October 27, 2009

for the record

I’ve often wondered what my mother’s life was like when she was a young(er) mom, on the frontlines of motherhood. Certainly she had better behaved children. I was sure she accomplished way more than I could ever hope to. How did she do it all? Because I can’t seem to get anything done!

This afternoon my mom called me on her way home from helping my grandma go through some things and had to read me from a letter she found that she had written after my sister, Candace, was born. And it turns out she’s normal after all. At least I hope it’s normal. . .

February 12, 1981

..........things are getting back to normal, although all I seem to accomplish in a day’s work is washing, meals and babysitting. While Tracy's Mom was here, Natasha displayed her adjustment to a new little one by screaming, hitting and throwing tantrums. She is much better now but she still screams at times....... If you are able to come for the blessing, would you bring me your book "How to live with your children and like them"? I've heard it has some good ideas........


I’m going to see if my grandma still has that book on her bookshelf. You can find yourself a copy here.

After reading this I’m realizing that one of the tragedies of email and cheaper long distance is the loss of handwritten correspondence. I’d better do a better job recording life so my daughters will know that I know “what it’s like”.

So, for the record, youngest to oldest, an update.

Clara has the sleeping habits of a newborn at night. She’s virtually a non-sleeper during the day so that means that the office has been in a state of disarray since I started “cleaning” it a month ago. Next month she is scheduled to get tubes put in her ears. Maybe that will help her sleep? If not, I’m giving up and I’ll quit making it a goal to get her to sleep longer than a ½ hour. Today she is 6 months old and has 2 teeth. Where is the pause button?

Kate, resembles the Natasha described in the excerpt above. Who knew? Whenever we get ready for prayer she announces “Kate’s gonna say it” and it really gets under Baden’s skin. I think that’s why she does it. Nothing is ever “I”, it’s always “Kate”. She’s also adopted some of Baden’s imaginary friends which makes things rather interesting around here. Oh yes, and she’s getting tubes again, next month also.

Baden may or may not be the reason I want to get my hands on that book. The thought occurred to me the other day that Heavenly Father sent Baden to us so that we could learn patience. It would appear we have not yet mastered patience. He’s funny though, so that is his saving grace. His current favorite song? Have a listen. No joke.

Carson pouted and fretted over his 2 liner in the Primary Program Presentation and then memorized and delivered it like a pro! He’s slow and methodical. Mmmm, sounds like someone I know. . . He’s also my right-hand-man. Willing to do most anything I ask him and gives a big grin when I praise him. He’s also a hypochondriac. Especially at bedtime so he doesn’t get much sympathy because by that time, my patience is worn oh-so-thin. Carson is also getting tubes (again) next month. Hopefully that will help his hearing. Merry Christmas Dr. L!

Chandler is a marathon reader. He acts like he hates homework, but I know he secretly loves it. When we quit soccer I was worried that he would go crazy. Turns out all he wants to do in his spare time now is play hoops with dad in the driveway. Why couldn’t we have figured that out earlier? It’s not uncommon for us to spy on Chandler flexing sans shirt in front of the mirror. So proud of those muscles!

So there you have it. All you never wanted to know plus some.



8 comments:

dandee said...

That letter from your mom is giving me hope tonight.

You described your children perfectly. It was like I was a fly on the wall of your home.

Ben and Alissa said...

Great post, I loved it! I love all the updates on your kids. Tubes in three of your kids' ears? I hope everything works out with that and the tubes do what they're supposed to.

I have often wondered how motherhood was for my mom. I'm the youngest so what I remember of her being a mom was when I was older, maybe 10 or so. I have memories before then but not thinking of my mom being a mom so much, if that makes sense. It seemed that (by then) everything was just perfect. But I'm sure for the 10 years before I can remember and the 7 years before I was born with my other siblings, things were probably not so perfect. It gives me hope. (And I only have one kid so far! Yikes!)

Shayla said...

What I would give to read a "blog post" from my mother's world when I was a kid! I guess that answers that nagging question of whether or not my blogging matters to anyone but myself. :-) I loved hearing your updates, Natasha. It's good to know that we're all in this together, toughing it out...even if we are separated by houses and walls and our own little struggles.

Keri said...

Natasha. I love every post you do. It always makes me smile and reminds me what's important. Your kids are growing up so fast! I loved the update on each of them! Especially Baden's song. What a crack-up!!
It's nice to remember that others were once in the thick and thin of what we're in. It gives me comfort. Glad to see you're all doing well!!

Emily Ferrell said...

I loved the update. Your kids are growing so fast. I still think of Chandler and Carson as little toddlers back in South Bend. Sorry to hear about all of the ear tubes. Hailey has been through 2 rounds of ear tubes herself and we are thinking about doing it a third time (hoping it will help her hearing also). Good luck with the surgeries. We sure miss you guys. You are a fantastic mom and your kids will think that you were super mom when they get older and your daughters will definitely wonder how you cooked so many delicious meals with all those little kids.

Brenda said...

Love love love this post! I think you and Brian are two of the most patient parents I know! Your kids are amazing and it shows what wonderful parents you are. You are a great mom and always keep it real. Bummer on all the tubes, but if it helps it is worth it! Hang in there and just know you ARE NOT ALONE!!!

l.a.c. said...

it is the differences that you described that makes your life so interesting. remember how dull life was before...accomplishing all of those menial tasks that really don't need to be done right away? besides, you're a juggler (which is a real art!)! you inspire.

tharker said...

It is good to know that your mom is human, because sometimes I watch all of the things she does for the YW of our stake, and really wonder...how does she do it all, and SO very well? She's amazing! I love her letter.

I love the play by play of each child. It sounds like your E.N.T. is going to have a lovely holiday season per the Woodward family ;)

Jake also really likes "Rock-a My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham". Secretly, I do too.