Fancy New Keyboard

Dear Nathalie,

This post is more about me than about you.

Because, sometimes, it's important for mommies to think about themselves.

My birthday was yesterday. I turned blankety blank years old. Bleh.

I have a very clear memory of when your grandma turned 30. And then when she turned 40. And then, 50.

I hope that you get to have those memories. I hope they stick. I hope you get more of them than I had.

As I get older, I start to think more and more about my mom as a person. Not as my mom, but as a woman who went through a lot. I think about the struggles she had growing up. I think about the person she became and the life she created for her family.

It's still hard for me to think about your grandma for too long. I still get sad...overwhelmed sometimes with grief. But it is important to keep thinking about her. I have so many of her qualities, both the good and the bad. I have to focus on the bad so I don't repeat some of her mistakes.

But the good.....I'm so grateful for. The good makes me one kick-ass mom. We have a damn good time.

And that, dear Nathalie, is a memory I hope you hold on to.

Love,
Mom

Comments

First Grade is Over

Dear Nathalie, You did it. You broke my heart. Today is the last day of 1st grade and I really thought I'd handle it well. I had you stand at the door and took your photo. You know, so I could compare your first day with your last day. I drove you to school, dropped you off. Everything. Was. Fine. Then I got home. I pulled up my handy "Instacollage" app, pulled your first day photo and your last day photo into the fancy frame and WHAMMO! Instant tears. You have grown SO much in this past school year. Not only are you TALLER, but you have developed such a sharp wit. You're smart. You're a critical thinker. You're reading like crazy. And I'm so proud. And heartbroken. It's such a joy to watch you grow and really, that's what it's all about. Raising our children so they can become good people and contribute to the world around them in positive ways. And I know you'll do just that. But it hurts to think back to those days where you were s...

The things we do for our children.

Dear Nathalie, Your Wizard of Oz play is this evening. My plan was to drop you off and run a few errands before the play started. I was informed by your teacher that it would be wise to head over and get in line for a seat. So, here I am. I've been sitting here for close to half an hour already. On the floor. Of an elementary school hallway. It's incredibly uncomfortable and in the end, I'm almost certain that I won't even really be able to see you anyway. But, you've been working hard for this play. And even though you wanted to be Dorothy, in your mind "Oz Person" is just as sweet a role. I caught a sneak peek of you in costume heading to the stage with your friends. You look about as adorable as I expected. Break a leg kiddo. Meanwhile, I'll break my back here on the floor. Love, Mom

Mommies Get Sick Too

Dear Nathalie, I know it's hard to believe. We seem like superheros that can't be stopped ... but mommies get sick, too. I've been feeling a under the weather since Saturday night and finally went to the doctor today. I have strep throat. You were there with me when the doctor said I should keep the talking to a minimum. Immediately after we left, you were non-stop questions. I know it's not in your nature to be quiet. Or to ever. stop. talking. But really, kid, mommy needs a break. In other news, parts for the Wizard of Oz were announced on Friday. You did not get the part of Dorothy, which you seem to be totally okay with....you WILL be playing the part of "Oz Person." You're excited for this because it means I will paint your fingernails green. Also, we enjoyed "Take your daughter to work day" this year.....Photos below. You told me my job was hard and boring and that it's no wonder that I'm tired at the end of the day. (Yo...

Dear Nathalie, Love Mom

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