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What about ME??

© Heike Boehnke

I am the Momma to Madame, who has been introducing me to the different aspects of the “Terrific Two’s” for the past months, even though we still have 2 months to go till she hits that mark. I am also Momma to two overgrown dogs, Caesar & Napoleon, who demand their share of my time. Moreover, last but not least, a little bit of Momma, best friend, and Venus to my husband, who at times shows the same attitude traits as my daughter. I am on a full-time work project, my own business is taking of like a rocket, and I am “in charge” of all financial dealings in our household. Sleeping between 3-4 hours a night, I now believe the months of night-time nursing were designed to prepare me and my nerves to be “Wonder Woman, Concealer Queen, and Martha Stewart” in one! In addition, I hate organized people, they must not have a life…..

Ladies, do I see your heads nodding up and down vigorously? Are we bonding in “wired up sisterhood”? Even though I joyfully take on all of these responsibilities, and master them with a surprising abundance of energy, there comes the point where I want to change my name from “Momma” to “Xanadu” (try saying that one, you little two-year old!)! When I want to tape the checkbook with the bills to the TV remote, disconnect the pager and computer, give the dogs a 3-day food supply, grab my best-GIRL-friend and confidant, and ESCAPE to the spa. I need a complete overhaul! A haircut that takes longer than 5 minutes, in a salon, where they actually blow-dry your hair! Shop for WOMEN’S clothes, eat at a restaurant where they don’t serve fries, have someone else clean and take on all other responsibilities. Remember?

What happens when we give birth? We strive to do the best for this little miracle. We nurse our babies, and our whole life evolves around them, knowing to well a 3 hour trip to the mall with a friend/ without the baby can cause a painful “overfill”. We are one with our baby, bonding closer and closer as we grow into a parent. During those first months, the main pressure is on Momma, and we take it like it’s nothing. Actually, I turned into Momma-Lion, and would not let anyone help me in any way with the baby. “Cause’ no one can do it like Momma!” Everything I did, sleep, wake, eat, work, other, was scheduled around my little wonder. Intimate moments? Yeah, for 10 minutes at 12:00 am! My hubby would wait for me at the door with “Where were you, she’s hungry!” In a way I was torn between bliss and torture. Along with a new identity as a “care-giver”, we women receive an extra dose of strength. We do all we can to “parent” the right way, to make our child as happy and content as possible and we forget about ourselves. Our needs are put behind those of everyone we hover over.