The many faces of Mom

Last night was one of those evenings where it took everything I had to survive what should have been a relatively easy night. However, as the evening progressed (and devolved) I took some time to think about the wide range of skills that women develop and utilize as mothers - which is why when society evolves enough, women will rightly rule the world.

Here are some examples from last night:

1. Being a logistics expert. Half an hour into our drive from Whistler to Vancouver my 3 year old announced he needed to have a poop NOW. I then had to find the nearest publicly accessible washroom, corral 2 children into the largest stall possible and then find a way to contain the squirming 9 month old while holding onto the 3 year old so he didn't fall into the toilet. I managed to do all that as well as minimizing the contact with the very sketchy bathroom surfaces.

2. Being a wildly entertaining comedienne/singer/talk-show host. Now poop free and on our way we only made it another half an hour before coming to a screeching halt. The highway was closed both ways because of an accident. So I sat in the hot and humid car singing silly songs, talking about the meaning of life (and poop) and finding new ways to keep everyone (including the dogs) from freaking out.

3. Being the leader of a super-efficient pit crew. Just as traffic began to move again (yippee!) my baby girl projectile vomited all over herself, her pyjamas and her car seat. Leaping into action I pulled half-way off the highway threw on the emergency blinkers and went to work. Stripped the baby, wiped her down, changed the very messy diaper, washed down the car seat, found fresh clothes, redressed her and got her back in her seat. All of this while car after car is slowing down to see what I am doing and my son is saying "Mommy, my sister threw up. I threw up once. She threw up. Did you see her throw up? Mommy, mommy," etc...... you get the point.

4. Being able to operate at the level of a super elite athlete. Finally making it home after more traffic disasters and a little boy that wouldn't stop talking long enough to fall asleep it was time to unload the truck. From the driveway, up the stairs and in the house went: one baby, one preschooler, 2 dogs, 6 bags, 1 cooler, 1 playpen, 1 bike and 2 booster seats. All of this at 11:30 at night when all I wanted to do was GO TO SLEEP!

Needless to say, we all slept well.

I long for the day...

... when showering every day is a reality, not a luxury.

...when I put food on my plate and there aren't 4 extra hands helping themselves to it until I'm left with nothing but crumbs and sticky fingerprints.

...when the washing machine, dryer and dishwasher do not combine to operate 24/7.

...when washing hands, going potty and getting into bed no longer require a crisis negotiator.

...when I can take 2 steps in my kitchen without feeling like I am walking on the beach (a Cheerio filled beach that is).

...when I can take 2 steps in my bathroom without having to wring out my socks.

...when the song that is running through my head all day is not something geared at the "under 5" crowd.

...when I don't run the risk of being mortally wounded running the gauntlet every day (aka the toy-filled stairwell and hallway).

And yet, when that day comes it means that my babies aren't babies anymore. I won't have these special days of spontaneous kisses and cuddles, silly games and childhood wonder and innocence. And so, I think, that day can wait a little bit longer :).