Mother's Day

A nice cup of tea

[Edit: next week is Mother's Day. I have time to get something for my own mom. Whew!] Today is Mother's Day in the US. I nearly missed it and was only reminded when I received a card from a friend wishing me a happy first Mother's Day (Mothers' Day?) When Sprog was still gestating, Spouse and I decided (well, more him than me) that we would celebrate UK Mother's Day, Mothering Sunday, instead of the US one. Well that was a bust. We only found out when that was when seeing it on a friend's calendar on the actual day. So today, for me, is the holiday, Hallmark though it may be.

They say, those mythical "they," that when you have a child every day is Mother's Day. Well I can't even get the kid to make me tea on the actual day so I call bs on that. But I am, of course, a mother every day to this beautiful new person in my life.

Playing

I had my first real dose of comparative, somewhat competitive parenting yesterday at a party. Sprog was the youngest there, being one month younger than the host's child. There was several other children there of varying ages as well. No one asked if she slept through the night, but sitting up (occasionally), crawling (more dragging than crawling but frequent and fast) and solid food (vague interest has been taken) were all queried and compared. I have no idea if she came up short, mainly since I don't care about such comparisons. She does, however need serious lessons in sharing and not using other children as a teething ring. Or maybe the other girl needs assertiveness training.

I feel bad that I haven't been posting here as planned. I have been spending more in the moment of parenting than reflecting on it. She already has two teeth now (first tooth on April 4th), chases the cat and can't wait to walk. It is amazing how fast she is growing and changing.

With the growth of our family comes a much needed change in our living situation. We are in the process of buying a house, leaving behind the apartment where we married, the building I've lived in for 14 years. The house is a lovely two story late Victorian affair with period details and a big back garden. I'm sure I shall post more about the house itself over in urban earth mother after it is ours.

And when I'm less distracted by a cranky, squirming child, one now dozing in my lap on my dominant arm (I've learned a lot of one-handed typing) I shall post more here.