So this is my first mother’s day as a mother. I’m not normally one to get sentimental or super mushy over Hallmark holidays but first anniversaries are kind of special and worth celebrating. Since Maeve arrived most ‘firsts’ have been about her, but this one is about me so I’m trying to savour it and relish the day. I know Lewis works hard and quite often more than the standard 40hrs a week, but I have learnt that my new job is 24/7. I don’t get to lay in or sleep late on the weekends anymore (well, Lewis is getting more comfortable with the morning routine lately).
On Friday we went to the ‘burbs and spent the afternoon with my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and her daughter before the Mother-Daughter Banquet at church. This was my 3rd mother-daughter banquet. To be honest it’s often a little overly sappy for my taste, but I am enjoying the tradition of spending an evening with the in-laws and celebrating the mother-daughter relationship. I think it’s an important bonding ‘ritual’ and I hope Maeve grows up looking forward to these kind of events with us. I guess I’m happy that I had a little girl, because I might get away with taking a boy to this kind of event when he’s still a baby, but it is really a mother- DAUGHTER event so…
At one point one of the ladies at our table asked me if I was *that* mother who is always prepared. I said no there’s always something I’ve forgotten, but I do make her food and stuff. And my mom-in-law said “Yes she’s *that* mother- makes all the baby food and teething biscuits and everything”. I don’t know what kind of mum I am, but I’m Maeve’s mum and that’s about all I can say. I do these things because it’s cheaper than buying jars and jars of food and I’m home all day so it’s something to do- which it is. I guess I figure if I’m going to be a stay-at-home mum for a while I need to do the best I can at budgeting for a smaller income and it keeps me busy.
As we were leaving church Sarah got a text from Lewis saying “Working on Mothers Day surprise” to which we both took to mean “boo sucks, I have to work on Mothers day” 😦 This didn’t come as much of a surprise to me as I know how busy he’s been at work, but I was rather sad. Like I say, first anniversaries are special. I figured oh well, maybe Maeve and I will go for a special brunch just the two of us…” When I got home I asked him about working on Sunday and he was all confused “No?” I said well, Sarah said she got a text from you about working on mothers day. Then it dawned on me that maybe I’d heard wrong and she’d meant that her husband was working on Sunday which made me feel awful that I’d been making all these comments about Lewis. But then Lewis realized he’d told Sarah that he was “working on A mother’s day surprise” (but he hadn’t typed the letter A) 😛 Sarah had taken the ‘surprise’ as sarcastic 🙂 So I have a not-quite-fully-surprising surprise coming my way 😉
Saturday evening Maeve and I caught the train down to the south side again and we all rode out to Downers Grove for dinner at The Melting Pot with Mom & Dad. Lewis was at a bachelor party and I had hoped to go to the corresponding bachelorette party, but we would have needed a sitter and as I got to go to the Bridal Shower I figured I could forego the bachelorette. It was a really lovely dinner and both the kids did really well considering we were there for 3 hours! I think I was the only one who’d been to a Melting Pot before and I’ve only been once before back in August 2008(!). I got a lovely card from the in-laws, and some potted flowers too. And when the check came my brothers-in-law took care of the bill between them! Completely caught me off guard ❤ I told Lewis to offer them some cash because I feel awkward them paying so much money. It’s one thing to treat your mom (or your wife), but I don’t know, I would feel better if they let Lewis chip in for some of it.
Today we woke up to a very unhappy Maeve and Lewis gave her a bottle (she usually gets boob first thing so she wasn’t thrilled but she needs to get used to it on occasion so that Nana & Papa can feed her!), then I got a lovely card from Maeve (with a little help from Lewis) and we went out for breakfast at our favourite brunch spot. I knew we’d have to go early because we didn’t have a reservation and it’s Mother’s Day for heaven’s sake, *everyone* is out for brunch! I got a free glass of sparkling something with lingonberries 🙂 Once we got home Maeve napped and we had a little grown up time ❤ And then Lewis took Maeve out to Oak Park for some Daddy-Daughter (& Dugan) time so that I could relax and enjoy a day off.
I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand I miss my family and would enjoy some time all together, but on the other hand not having to worry about when she’s going to need the next bottle/snack/diaper/nap etc is rather nice. I’m twiddling my thumbs trying to think what I will do today. I’m definitely trying to avoid doing all the regular chore type activities. I might get some painting done! I might take a nice long shower and a nap 🙂 I might go for a run! Lewis just left so I have the next 8+hrs to do with as I please ❤
Chasing The Stormbringer 