A mother's musings on Mother's Day

My children already have a bond that amazes me. Kadence is obsessed with her baby brother, and loves "playing" with him, talking to him, singing to him......and especially loves feeling and watching him move. Nearly every day now she comes up to me, puts her hands on either side of my belly and says "You're tummy is even BIGGER! He's growing up!"

In turn, Alishus Gary (Kadence said that's his name today) responds to his big sister in a way he responds to no one else. Last month I made a trip to Abilene, and Kadence slept at Grandma Patsy's house that Friday and Saturday night, while I spent those nights with my best friend Ruth. Kadence wakes up around 7:30 every morning and comes to wake me up. Those two mornings though, since she wasn't there, that didn't happen. At 7:30 both of those mornings the baby started kicking hard, and moving around a LOT......as if he was asking where she was. His activity level remained high until Sunday morning when I met up with Mom and Kadence for church. When he heard his big sister, he settled down. He doesn't react that way for me. He doesn't react that way for Patrick. He only reacts that way for Kadence.

The other day she climbed up in my chair with me to talk to the baby. She bent down and told him "Ok baby, kick!" Then she looked up at me and said "He's going to kick you really hard now, ok?" There have been several occasions where his little butt have been sticking up, and she tells him "Don't shake your little butt at me!" She's very protective as well. She camped out by my recliner the other evening, and told me "I will protect you Mommy." Patrick had told her that I had to stay lying down or sitting to protect the baby so he didn't come out before he was big enough. I guess she decided that I needed protection as well.......however, she doesn't realize that she would be the only reason I need protection. :)

This morning she came down, went potty and then came into our room to tell us "We're out of toilet paper. Can you toss me a roll?" (She thinks that commercial is hilarious, and can't wait for the toilet paper to be gone so she can say that.) The baby started kicking, dragging his feet back and forth across the top of my belly and jumping around. It would seem that he thinks that's funny too. She climbed up on the bed to talk to and play with the baby. She got her baby doll and put her baby on my tummy and said "Baby Adyline, this is Alishus Gary. Do you want to play with Alishus Gary? Ok. Mommy, Baby Adyline wants to play with Alishus Gary." So she put Baby Adyline on my tummy, and Alishus Gary started moving her around. Kadence said indignantly "Alishus Gary is pushing Baby Adyline!" I can already imagine the ridiculous fights and arguments these two are going to have as they get older.

When I was ready to get out of bed (after Kadence finished singing rock-a-bye baby to her brother), Kadence decided she would carry the baby for me. She told me "I will pick him up." and put her hands on either side of my belly and tried to pick him up.....then walked into the other room holding an imaginary baby in her arms.

By this point in the pregnancy, most people are ready for it to be over. Granted, there's a lot of discomfort involved, and sometimes the baby's movements are downright painful. Not to mention, bed rest certainly isn't my thing. However, I'm going to be sad when this part is over. I won't miss the bed rest, the heartburn, and not being able to dry my own legs and feet when I get out of the shower....but I am going to miss feeling his little movements, and his punches, and kicks. I'm going to miss the way that Kadence puts her head on my tummy to see if she can hear him. I'm going to miss using all of the ridiculous names she came up with for him......Jack Black, Flynn Rider, Alishus Gary, Kato, Green Hornet....

On the other hand, I can't wait to see his face. I can't wait to hold him, and give him an actual name. I can't wait to see how my children interact in person. I can't wait to see my husband hold his son.

Each stage has it's blessings......and it's discomforts and annoyances.  I've heard too many women complain about just wanting their pregnancy to be over already., or wanting their baby to pass a difficult stage so they can move on to something better. Wishing one stage would pass just to get to the next seems like such a waste of experiences that you're not going to get back. Besides, wishing and complaining has never made time go any faster.....and usually just makes it go slower for those who have to listen. :) I hate being on bed rest, but each day that I am brings us one day closer to the end of this stage, and the beginning of the next. I'm not thrilled with the stage we're now in, but I'm cherishing the little moments that I won't get back once this stage ends.

Kadence drew me a picture this morning when we got up. She told me "That's your belly, and your silly face." She loves that she has a little brother in my tummy. :)

I love being a mommy! Happy Mother's Day!