Like every mama, I have hundreds of beautiful staged photographs of my children, that to me could earn them modeling contracts at the local kids clothing store.
This isn’t one of them…it’s not even a "good" picture. In fact, on a number of levels it could be downright embarrassing.
Instead of its flaws, though, I see a moment in time that captures the essence of motherhood more perfectly than any other photograph I own.
It’s hard to remember these days, but back "then" I was always doing AT LEAST four things at once. It might look like I’m only nursing a baby and potty training a toddler, but I had dinner in the oven and loads of laundry in the washer AND dryer. The eyes in the back of my head were off duty.
While I was training my daughter in The Way She Should GO, while my baby boy was–God love him–transferring my pregnancy fat to rolls on his thighs, I was doing what every young mom does: whatever it took to survive the day…sometimes the moment. I’m living testimony to the mantra "this too shall pass" (thankfully, sometimes that goes for the "bad", and with a twinge of regret, sometimes the "good").
What I know for certain is cat-and-knife juggling is easy compared to parenthood.
Now, with two teens and a tween, they don’t trip on my toes so often…they step on my heart….
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Wow, this picture is worth 1000 words. Love it. I am in the midst of it now, with a 4 mo. old, a 2 yr old, and a 5 yr. old. But for some reasons, my pregnancy fat has clung to my love handles while my nursing infant has slender thighs–no fair!!
I never thought to have a picture taken while I was nursing in the bathroom. Dang.
that is the stage I am at right now!
LOVE it! 🙂
All I can say is, “been there, done that.” Great Shot!!
These are the type of pictures I prefer too! Posed photos are way too boring! This picture screams “Super Mom” and takes me back a few years I can tell you!
Priceless! And those were the good days.
This is a fantastic entry! Very meaningful and sums up a stage of motherhood perfectly. 🙂
This has to be a winner~ excellent post, it sums up what mothers do best~ multi-tasking!
That is a PERFECT illustration of motherhood! Well done!
Words can’t express…
It doesn’t get more committed and precious than this!!
Who was taking this picture while you guys were so…BUSY?!
I hope you win!!!! =)
That picture is to priceless for words. Oh man – I’m going to be there AGAIN. Thankfully, I won’t have one potty training at the same time.
Well, at least it wasn’t a shot of YOU on the toilet while nursing and potty training your girl… That would have made it 5 things. And if you’re like us, you would have been singing the potty song (that we made up) upping it to 6.
Women: we multitask like crazy. I’m trying to get Mr. Right to think like that, but he just can’t. It’s not in his genetic make up… But that one thing he’s doing, he’s doing really well, I’ll credit him that!
Oh my, dear me! How that photo brings back memories! I am the mother of five precious . . .er, teenagers! LOL . . . It’s been a ride, raising these crazy kids. Some days are really, really hard, especially now that they are at the age that they break your heart more than they break your dishes. Thanks for a fantastic post!
Julia Lynne
My Bloomin’ Life
This is right where I am at right now, but I don’t think I would let someone take my pictures of me multi-tasking!! 🙂
This is right where I am at right now, but I don’t think I would let someone take a picture of me multi-tasking!! 🙂
I LOVE it! A woman after my own heart!
OH, Today I’d give anything to go back to those days when I thought I was so busy, and life was so crazy. It WAS busy and crazy, but in such a better way than having 3 teenagers and 1 tween in busy and crazy.
Stepping on your heart is a good way to put it.
Thanks for sharing. (it made me smile)
Robin, that is a precious moment. And your write-up is most worthy.
That is a hilarious image…I don’t miss diapers…or nursing!
Love this! It’s a true reflection of motherhood! I love that your smiling!
As the mother of two teens I can say a hearty amen!
Love that picture! You’re right, it captures motherhood in a way that is so much more real and beautiful than the starched pictures of perfect mothers with their perfect children doing perfect things. Plus, you are a beautiful mom!
I love this post! Today I wished someone could have taken a photo of me. I was standing nursing, eating cereal, talking on the phone about this contest, and getting my son ready for his big dentist appoint.
What a wonderful picture and beautiful post! I came here looking for your WW post but I am so very happy that I found this one instead. :o)