My eyes are red…puffy…and swollen. I’ve cried my fair share of tears: my mom left today and I spent the whole drive home in tears only to come home to Steve’s open arms reassuring me that everything would be okay. Two days ago, even the thought of her leaving made me tear up. I blame it on postpartum hormones, but when it comes down to it I think it comes out of admiration and love for my mom.
Whenever she comes, it just doesn’t seem like its long enough. I was explaining to Steve that not only is she great company, and fun to be around, but she is a neutral third party. She doesn’t get frustrated with Hallie after the 15th tantrum for the day, she doesn’t get annoyed when Hunter decides he wants to be awake at midnight, or he needs a diaper change after the last three in 20 minutes. She wakes up to Hallie early in the morning and plays with her. Steve and I “rock, paper, scissors” to see who has to entertain Hallie an hour before the other has to get up, or call out who changed the last dirty diaper!
But not my mom, she just does it. She knows eventually she gets to go home so maybe that’s why she’s so willing to do the dirty work! My mom is also a motivating factor. As Steve so kindly points out, I tend to start projects and it takes me a while to finish them. So when my mom comes to town we always have a list of projects, and we always complete them. She keeps me focused and pushes me to finish, when it’s so natural for me to say, “Oh, that’s easy. I’ll just finish that later.” She replies, “It’s so easy, lets just finish it now!” Steve is convinced we need to have her visit more often just so she can help me finish projects.
Some highlights from her visit:
Cleaned out Hunter’s room
Replaced moulding
Fixed the hole in the wall (long time in coming!!)
Went shopping
Visited the zoo and went on the train ride, Hallie’s favorite
Went for daily walks and admired the beautiful fall colors
Watched conference
Went to the apple farm and enjoyed some delicious carmel apples
Played multiple games of memory with Hallie
Painted Hunter’s room
Played Settlers of Catan
Made delicious cinnamon rolls
Hung up Halloween decorations
Watched Gilmore Girls Season 7
Went to the Pumpkin Patch and decorated pumpkins
Thanks mom for making the sacrifice to come spend time with us and help out with Hallie and Hunter (and occasionally Steve when he got out of line!) We love you and miss you already!
Can I just say…I've always thought your mom was amazing! I can't imagine what it would be like to be so far away from my mom…sometimes 30 minute is too far when I need her. Here's to moms!!
Ditto to your nice comments about your mom. She really is a wonderful example in MANY ways. I am sure you make her very proud for the woman and mother you are today. That in itself is a testament to what kind of mother she is. Very sweet post.
I totally understand the whole crying thing when your mom has to leave! I can't believe you were able to get all of those projects done Kara. You are a true "go getter"! I wish, and hope, I could have that kind of energy after my next baby.
You really do have a great mom!! What a blessing to you and Steve to have her come and be so willing to help out in so many ways. I hope that little guy of yours is doing good! Man, I wish I could snug him!
i agree with you. Mother's visits are never long enough and they are so helpful.. i never know how my mom has enough energy to do everything she does. Luckily, my mom is a 4 hour drive away… yours is just a little further. I wish I could come help you but I think Rog might freak out!
Kara – Your mom is absolutely stunning! Love those pictures of her with your family – she is really beautiful. Hope you are coping okay.
I love that pic of your mom holding Hunter. He's such a cute little string bean of a kid. I love when they're still in that stage and haven't filled out yet. Tyler looked just like that but Luke was born a toddler.
hahha, the only thing I remember doing the first few weeks after Andrew was born was sitting on the couch, feeding him, and eating food that other people made. I'd say that's the biggest difference between the two of us:) Love you guys!
Okay, so I'm the nosiest person ever. . . but I don't care. I was on Jandi's blog and I saw your last name and I thought, hmm I wonder if that's Kara. Sure enough! What a cute stinkin family you have. I know I haven't seen you forever, but I thought I'd say hi and tell you that I think you are still funny and lovely and now you have a cute family! Take care! Andrea (Dude as Jandi refers to me)
I agree. Your mom is the greatest! So glad she could share this special time with you and be such a blessing to your life.
Your mom is BEAUTIFUL, seriously!! What a sweet post!
Such cute pictures. Tell us more about Hunter! What a darling family you are. Love you tons, Mom