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.