Nov 14 2008
The Invisible Umbilicus
97 times. Seriously.
I must have heard “Mommy” called at least 97 times today in various tones, inflections and states of urgency. “Mommy” when someone’s hungry, “Mommy” when someone fell down, “Mommy” when someone suffered an injustice, “Mommy” just to pinpoint Mommy’s exact location like a makeshift radar.
That’s my name, don’t wear it out.
But of course they did. They wore it to shreds. I’m actually considering a name change, something a little more dignified, maybe “Mother” or “Mama” with an accent on the second “Ma”.
It also amazes me how no matter where I’m hiding working in the house, my children have a way of always rooting me out. As if there’s an invisible tether between us that spools them back to me like little yo-yos, a bungee that makes it so that at any given time all four kids are forced to gravitate in to whatever room I’m in, usually talking at the same time. Sometimes they follow me in to the bathroom, sometimes they end up literally in my lap, which coincidentally makes it difficult to eat or enjoy any kind of privacy.
Tonight we tried to watch the shuttle launch. My husband set up a ladder and we were all going to perch up on the roof to see the rockets cross the sky. It was a good idea in theory, except at least three of the kids were terrified of climbing up, but heartbroken at the thought of being excluded and earthbound. Plenty of screaming and panicking ensued, which always makes for an entertaining family outing. Eventually we saw the flame shoot across the sky, then disappear, but by then at least two of the children were barefoot and barechested and cawing “Mommy” like nobody’s business.
I hear it’s quiet in space.
I think you have just sold me on the idea of going to space. And that is saying something, because I am so claustrophobic that I couldn’t even consider going on a cruise. But that quiet thing? That could really be a selling point for me. Do you think astronauts get to take showers without any kids barging in? I am so there!
Oh man, so this is what happens when the kids finally learn to talk? Why are we anticipating that exactly? If you want to charter a rocket ship, I’m sure I could come up with half the cost… shotgun!
I just had this same problem with my girls. I told them I am not longer going by Mommy. I am changing my name and going into the witness protection program. Maybe I will be an astronaut?
That is SO true! The other night, my son said “Hey, Mom…” followed by a comment over TWENTY ONE times! He’s five, & my Hubby and I giggled as we counted his Hey Moms over and over as he was telling his stories and playing.
Lucky you to get to watch the launch!
I often have days whose only goal is to “potty alone.” I rarely reach those lofty goals, so I know how you feel.
I would take the girls coming to find me. They pretty much stop wherever they are and scream “mommy” until I come running. Coming to find me, would be a nice change of pace. The only time they come find me is when I am in the bathroom or shower and then they seem to always need be at that exact moment.
When you plan that shuttle mission, PLEASE drop me in email! I am so going with you.
PS I love how you put your blog awards on a shelf over there ~~> SO cute!
Every. Single. Time. My J calls mom, I shutter, just a little. I have tried not answering him and just looking at him in hopes that he will understand that I am focused and waiting for him to say what it is he wants to say…but he doesn’t get it. He will look me in the eyes and keep saying mommy until he is screaming at me. Makes me giggle…just a wee bit. Until I crack and scream, WHAT!!! in his face. LOL! Most days I am patient, other days…not so much.
Hi! nmvDekD