Yesterday morning, I sat on the edge of the bathtub in a fog, rubbing sleep from my eyes. RJ was perched on a step stool trying to go pee pee. It was taking forever!
"Ohhhh, Mommy, your eyes are red! Who did that to your eyes, Mommy?" he says, full of innocence and concern.
Nice! How do I answer that one? I laugh. It is funny! And at the same time, not so funny...
It makes me wonder what he's going to notice next. The dark circles under my red eyes, the graying hair? Or will it be the loose skin around my middle, perhaps the not-so- small red scar, souvenirs of my latest pregnancy? (Mental Note: Gotta start those sit ups sometime soon! Get on the treadmill, already!)
How do I answer this one? I consider the possibilities. Do I say
-"Sweetie, if you'd only sleep past 5:00 am, it would help!"
-"Mommy's tired because your sister is getting teeth and was crying all night."
-"Mommy has trouble sleeping because she's cold." (SuperDad steals the covers.)
- "Mommy is awake at night while all of you sleep because she can't stop worrying and thinking about silly things."
All of a sudden I don't feel so well.
I am jolted from my dark thoughts by warm arms that wrap around my neck. "Mommy, you need an RJ scarf." This is our son's term for a hug around the neck.
I do need an RJ scarf! Lots of RJ scarves!
He takes my hair and piles it on the top of my head. "There Mommy, now you look like a Princess."
And I feel like a Princess, bloodshot eyes and all.
Isn't it amazing how the smallest gift of love from our munchkins can make the world right again?!?!? So sweet!
Posted by: Mom | March 31, 2007 at 09:16 PM
awwwww!!!!!My baby (who's 7) slept until 10:15 this morning...there's hope!
Posted by: EE | April 01, 2007 at 12:08 AM
It's so true, mom!10:15?! You are the lucky one, ee! I can only dream about that at this point.Hi Kara!!! Thank you for stopping by my new little internet home, and please come back often! You just made my day with your lovely comment. Really, you have no idea how much your kind words mean to me! My eyes welled up as I read it.I find it helps a lot to talk about the difficulties so many of us face. We are definitely not alone even though it sure feels like it sometimes. We are so used to being SuperMoms that we have a tendency to give until there's almost nothing left for ourselves. Here's to survival!
Posted by: moodswingingmommy | April 01, 2007 at 08:54 PM
I think all of us could use a few good RJ scarves!
Posted by: Oh, The Joys | April 01, 2007 at 10:05 PM
Aw, I love the "RJ scarf". It gets better...my 5 yr old like to "sleep in" now. But I still notice more wrinkles every day in the mirror. Lack of sleep gets replaced by worry ;)
Posted by: Life As I Know It | April 02, 2007 at 11:59 AM
Awe, an "RJ Scarf" ... seems putting one of those "on" and closing your eyes for just those few seconds would be a soothing balm for the redness ... it really is all worth it =)
Posted by: Nancy | April 02, 2007 at 12:08 PM
The RJ scarf is ADORABLE!
Posted by: Anonymous | April 02, 2007 at 03:38 PM
You are an amazing woman and mommy! Not to mention, a fantastic writer. It is so uplifting to read about other mommies coping with similar issues - and surviving!This was my first time checking out your blog - the first time I've ever read a blog, let alone check one out.Thank you for opening yourself up and sharing a bit of yourself with me. It takes a lot of courage! You are amazing.-Kara
Posted by: Anonymous | April 21, 2007 at 10:26 PM
Thet title of your post reminded me of the title of my book. I always relate the little prince thing to little boys, there is something so regal and pure about them.
Jillian
Posted by: Jillian | February 06, 2008 at 07:38 PM