In my letter to readers in our September 29 edition of our newsletter, I wrote about how a baby shower reminded me of the joy of having children. I asked readers to share what helped them remember the joy.
Melody Lima, a mom and yoga teacher at several Baristaville locations, wrote in to share this:
My baby days are over too. My girl is six-years-old. As a matter of fact, she traded “bathroom” humor with Georgette’s daughter this summer at camp. They both sounded like two college boys. I often tried to remind them of their lady-like manners, but often I was laughting too hard to sound parental.
I often find myself working at places my daughter enjoys; her preschool, the Y, her elementary school. I like to think it is to spy and see what happens after I drop off my girl at camp, school, birthday parties and playdates. But the truth is, I love to watch her. She is funny, smart, silly, creative, girly and sometimes bossy and hates to share. As I watch her become a person with her own interests, I remember how far we have come as a family. The joy of pregnancy, the triumph of birth and the fear of caring for a newborn. When I found out I was carrying a girl I cried all day on the kitchen floor. My overwhelming thought was, “I am not worthy! How am I going to raise a girl?!” I am still trying to raise myself. Thankfully, she has shown me the way.
New parents often say, I cannot remember life without my kids. I always respond, I can! I slept, ate, showered, dressed — fashionably and shared time with Daddy (my husband.) Sharing adult time. But as we have recently embraced first grade, I remember, and often yearn, for all those sleepless nights in the dark nursery with my perfect baby. I give thanks to the universe for this blessing and remember tomorrow is Gym day. The girl needs to wear sneakers to school. And yes, this professional NYC girl is gonna say it out loud, “I love being a mother.” Note to self: remember lunch money for Thursday.
