Sometimes, my brain is filled with so many ideas. I want to write down the days for my daughter. I want to write down my emotions so that I can connect with other mothers. But the day is over before I realize that it has even begun. Night falls, and all I’ve done is snuggle Charlotte and nurse her and make eyes at my husband.
Then I see her in her cradle. I listen to her deep breathing, watch her eyes as she dreams. Next I see him fall asleep on the couch. I hear him grunt as he makes himself more comfortable, drink in the image of his hand draped over the cat.
And I think that I may not have done anything worth writing down, but I still feel like I’m doing the most important work I’ve ever done.
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Such an easy thing to forget when you are in the throws of mamahood, but mamahood is the most important work we are doing right now. I forget often. Congratulations on keeping your sights on this and reminding those of us who get caught up in the “I should be doing more” mode.
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You are, and it’s beautiful. It’s what we, as human beings, were meant to do. The most basic of instincts.
And, there are some things that simply do not need words or explanations. You likely won’t regret not documenting every moment…but you would regret missing all the beautiful, little, seemingly insignificant moments that make up the right here, right now.
(As an aside, that photo of Charlotte made me grin. Jude purses his lips like that, too…but only when he is thinking deeply about the poop he is trying to have. The pursed lips are usually accompanied by a “dirty diaper in the making” faraway stare. That look on Charlotte’s face made me want to run and get the wipes…) ;)
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Mailis - Our children must share a mind. What do you hink I had to do a minute after snapping the picture? =P
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your writing is beautiful. i came across your blog through jessica claire and i’m so glad i did…you are an amazing writer.
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Amen, sista.
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everything else just falls away…
i love this post.
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I can’t agree more! There are so many times when I want to capture every single moment, every breath, every look, every movement and even when I don’t seem to get to it, my most favorite part of the day is when I see my husband cuddling my son and watching how they fall asleep together. I couldn’t feel anymore fulfilled.
Enjoy it!
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It’s nice to be able to recognize that it really is the little things in life that mean the most, things like those precious moments that go by all too quickly.
By kirsten on November 24, 2009
It sounds like you are being fully present in the *now* with and to your family, in the present moment. It is so, so important, this work of motherhood.