Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Mama Don't Go

Well, it's not so bad really, this being thirty thing. Other than the abundance of vomit (the child's and the cat's) that greeted the change in years, this decade has gotten off to a decent start. I've already seen two movies, gone out to eat three times, and enjoyed a piece of cake with nearly every meal. If things keep up at this rate, it'll be the best (and enormousest) year ever.

Of course, things won't keep up at this rate, because as of 11:00 this morning, we went back to being the extended-family-less unit we were before my parents got to town five days ago. No more free, reliable, on-call babysitting, no more extra hands around the house or extra energy around the child. My dad even offered to put me up in a hotel room for a night, all by myself, and if I'd had the good sense to say yes he'd have done it in a heartbeat. Because that's what family does, they look out for you and step right up when they know you need some help. And also pick on you pretty bad when the situation calls for it. Or maybe that's just my family.

I'm sure that if my parents lived in town, I'd spend more time than I do now doing things that may not be at the top of my Fun List, like going to horse shows and outlet malls, but it would be more than worth it. When I see my friends with multiple children, I always wonder how they can possibly manage it all - child-rearing, marriage maintenance, jobs, outside interests - and then I realize that, in 90% of cases, those multi-breeders have close relatives nearby. And that's how it's supposed to be. That's why people spend their whole lives in ridiculous places like International Falls, MN and Marked Tree, AR. Now that I have offspring, I can see myself going back to ice scrapers and white-outs and air so cold it actually affects the genetic composition of your unconceived children, just for the benefit of sharing a seat on the constant roller coaster of joy and agony that is being a mother.

4 comments:

Stacey Greenberg said...

in this day and age i believe the parents are supposed to relocate to where their kids are.

i definitely take it for granted that my mom is here and almost always willing and able to help me.

Anonymous said...

Remember you've got a network of friends who are here for you. Frankly I don't know how you and The Admiral do it so far from family, but we're always willing to go to a horse show at the outlet mall...whatever the hell that means.

Stephanie said...

My mom lives ONE MILE from my house, which was kind of scary when I was first married but which rocks my world now that I have multi-bred.
The key to being far from your extended family is to take these good people up on their offers to help. And be sure and call me the next time you want to go to an outlet mall- it is totally at the top of my Fun List! Chip won't mind taking care of our kids while we shop.

Chip said...

I would totally do that, as long as you guys buy me something cool at the Jordache outlet.