It Calls to Me by Name
It starts first thing as the sun rises through the window blinds.
“Mommy!”, she whines upon waking.
I walk in to lift her up, good morning. “Mommy”, she whispers softly. Not long after, her brothers stumble in, too, crowding around me in the chair with bed head and sleepy eyes. Elbows and knees poking into sides. “Mommy, what day is it?”, Jedi asks, curious. “Mommy, how many days until the weekend? Mommy, I had a dream. Do you want to hear about my dream, Mommy?”
“Mommy, I’m hungry”, they demand in a rare form of unity. I fix waffles or pancakes or omelets. Some days, when it’s already too much, it’s merely Pop Tarts. I fill three cups with milk. It’s briefly still while their mouths are full and then it begins again.
“Mommy, he’s hitting me! Mommy, make him stop! Mommy, she scratched me!”
Mommy, help. Mommy, sit. Mommy, boo-boo. Look at this, Mommy. Buzz is a bear, Mommy. Mommy, come here. Can I play video games, Mommy? How long until Daddy comes home, Mommy? Mommy, what are we having for dinner? Can we watch Toy Story, Mommy? Come watch with us, Mommy. Mommy, what are you doing? Do you see my belly button, Mommy? Mommy, I’m thirsty again. Do you remember when we went to the zoo, Mommy? Mommy! Hey, Mommy! Even when they don’t say it in so many words, it’s there in intention, pulling in three different directions.
It doesn’t halt until they’re tucked in bed. When I have a few minutes left to just be me.
I'm Crystal. A 30-something mom to 3 young kids living in the Midwest USA. When I'm not chasing my children, I'm a freelance writer and web designer. I like to tell stories from our days and share what we enjoy...
12 Responses
on July 19 2010
It’s so easy to get annoyed by it too, right? I find myself constantly reminding myself how precious it is….but darn it all, sometimes I just want to be left alone!!!
on July 20th, 2010
@Tiffany@LattesAndLife, It is easy to get annoyed by the constant, overlapping demands. Kids, they’re like the world’s worst boss.
on July 19 2010
Mama! Mama! Mama! I get it too. Somedays I can handle it okay and others I feel mental.
Marilyn’s latest post: Plant Killer
on July 19 2010
Oh, how I relate to this. The questions and demands are never ending. Some days I can handle it with grace, but other days, I would love some silence for a few moments.
Rudri Patel’s latest post: Thank You
on July 20th, 2010
@Rudri Patel, I think that’s why I appreciate the 30 minutes or so I get just to myself after everyone’s gone to bed. Of course, I’m still listening in case someone gets up, but for the most part, it’s me and only me.
on July 19 2010
I serisouly could change the names of the kids and claim this as my own post. Funny thing though, when living it I feel like a crazy woman, but when reading yours I laugh. Hmmm… Misrey love company I guess
mamacomedy’s latest post: Space Please
on July 19 2010
It is so very often also a MOMMMYYYY!!!! not just Mommy and I jump every time imagining some disaster has occurred yet no, it is simply that Minnie needs a hair bow attaching to the bow she is already wearing and can “Mommy fix it.” Or some other equally very important and urgent issue
on July 20th, 2010
@Aging Mommy, Yeah, the calls definitely come in varying pitches and tones. After awhile, you begin to discern the difference.
on July 19 2010
Amen Sister!
Catch the Kids’s latest post: I Think I Need An Injection Or Something
on July 19 2010
I can’t imagine it times 3….Sending you a virtual drink sister.
Best,
Tina
on July 20th, 2010
@Tina, How about 2? Or 10?
on July 22 2010
I *feel* this.
Kelly’s latest post: The King