I’m in Boston. Its snowing. I forgot a coat. But that’s not the reason I am writing this blog. I am here to visit the twins. They are spectacular. True baby geniuses. In case you are way behind in my life, I recently became an Aunt to Zack and Sara. They turn 4 months old on Wednesday. I love them beyond compare. But you know what I learned the past few days. I am in no way, shape or form ready to be a parent.
Did you know that you can’t just sleep through the crying? Apparently crying must be tended to… and I like my sleep way too much for that. I also find it hard to find ways to entertain 4 month old babies. I mean, they are so cute but they kind of just eat, sleep and need to be changed.
This morning I fed Zack. It was so sweet after he finished he cuddled up on my shoulder and I kissed his sweet head. Then he projectile vomited down my back. It wasn’t the most tender moment that we’ve shared.
There is also a lot of singing. Babies like singing. I like to sing but I like to sing along to Pink and Mumford and Sons. Apparently babies like “You are my Sunshine” and “Patty Cake.”
The bottle making is a process like nothing I’ve seen and we have to do it twice. Changing clothes is a workout for me cause I spend the whole time chasing arms and legs to put into clothes. And bedtime, don’t get me started on bedtime. That’s a 45 minute process. How in the world would I be able to watch endless episodes of Law and Order: SVU if I’m spending so much time changing babies, feeding babies, singing to babies, dressing babies and reading to babies.
On the flip side, my heart literally skips a beat when Zack or Sara smile. It’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever seen. Z has these little dimples when he smiles and I just know that in the years to come he’s going to flash me those dimples and I’ll give him whatever he wants. Sara has these enormous deep blue eyes that peer right into your soul. I can guarantee that she’ll only have to look at me and I’ll give her the world.
So maybe what I am saying is that it’s not even close to time for me to be a mother but it’s the perfect time to be an Aunt.
February 25, 2013 at 9:04 am
Have you broken the news to Ling yet? Does she know she will have to go back to China? Poor girl. Who knows what will happen to her given their cultural affinity for boys and the “one child” policy.
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February 25, 2013 at 10:48 am
One is NEVER ready to be a mother. It happens gradually, beginning with all kinds of weird problems with the body. As my own mother, your Mamaw, said, “If we waited until we could afford [okay, let’s sub be ready for] children, the world would have no people.” But, we both know the role an aunt, or even a great aunt, can play in a child’s life. You are Zack and Sara’s Aunt Gladys. No higher calling in my opinion.
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February 25, 2013 at 11:27 am
Your job as the fun aunt is an important one. Ali and I take our role as fun aunt and uncle very seriously. It has all the benefits of being a grandparent without all of the responsibilities.
Just wait until those kids get bigger and can talk. You get to teach them all sorts of great stuff, like the almighty burp/arm pull down.
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February 25, 2013 at 11:38 am
Yes, what Mike says is all true.Things we’ve taught the kids:
Proper use of the word “cray”. Madeline has been teaching her friends at school that word. I’m very proud of that.
Madeline also knows that if she needs new shoes, she calls Nanny.
Madeline has said things like “Tahtee, if you don’t stop hitting bumps my pee will be in my underwear.” and “Tahtee, I’m gonna have my mommy beat all the crap out of you.”
Braden, who is 3 just learning to really speak, got pissed cuz Madeline called him a baby. She he hauled off, knocked the shit out of her and said “You da baby.” after she started crying.
We’ve also given them ice-cream and cupcakes for dinner. And load their iPods with awesome music.
I feel all of this is our influence. We are making these kids be awesome. It’s our duty as bestest Aunt/Uncle ever.
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February 26, 2013 at 11:06 pm
Great!!! Love it!
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