Feb
4
2010
Then and Now
Author: Carolyn van Es-VinesThen - about an hour ago.
Chloe’s crying because Papa left for work.
Paige is crying because she bit her own finger as she was eating the grilled cheese sandwich she asked for
“Mama, mijn buik doet pijn,” Chloe complains.
“I’m sorry your belly hurts, Chloe,” I reply, mustering up what sympathy I can without having had my breakfast. “You can either go lie down or have a banana.”
“Paige, Mama would like you to put the toys down and go back to the table and eat your sandwich.”
Boink.
Another round of crying after Paige hits her head on the table.
“I know you hit your head, but that’s why Mama asks you to eat in your chair and not under the table.”
Finally, a cup of coffee with milk and sugar. One sip. Two sips.
“Ok babies. Let’s get some coats on and get going. Chloe has to go to school.”
Of course it’s raining!
Now - about an hour and a half later.
Listening to “I Am an Endangered Species” by Dianne Reeves while reading Mridu Khullar’s blog. I’m always inspired after reading it.
Drinking a warm cup of coffee (with milk and sugar) in peace, waiting for a former colleague and friend to come over for tea and talk.
I congratulate myself for finishing the first revision of my memoir. It’s currently being edited.
I congratulate myself for sticking to my decision to take two weeks off. I finished Stieg Laarson’s third installment of the Millennium trilogy, “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” (Go put your records on/tell me your favorite song/you go ahead let your hair down/sapphire and faded jeans). Yesterday I finally bought a new pair of jeans after my favorite ones ripped last week during mother/toddler gym class. I confess: I also bought some boots, two sweaters and a long-sleeved t-shirt.
I wish my friend would hurry up - I want another cuppa and a slice of that delicious-looking heidelbergtaart I just picked up from the bakery.
February 5th, 2010 at 19:26
Once I too had children who bit their fingers while eating a sandwich, banged their heads on tables and walked to school in the rain. Now, I can spend all day reading, meeting friends and eating heidelbergtaart, but choose to spend it on my bum at the computer. We all have our own ‘thens’ and our own ‘nows’. In my now, I’d enjoy the distraction of a child needing me to cuddle it better just so I don’t sit at the computer for 10 hours straight every day. Enjoy your thens and your nows but keep listening to Corinne Bailey Rae
February 7th, 2010 at 21:34
Hi Jo,
good point. I’m not sure I can manage enjoying the “then” moments. I can probably muster up an “appreciate”, though. Thanks for commenting.
February 10th, 2010 at 17:51
I actually bit my fingers while eating as an adult, once. It was NOT pretty. I can’t even imagine how painful that is for tiny little baby hands.
February 13th, 2010 at 09:53
Hi Diasporique,
the worst part was that she didn’t make the connection. When I asked her what happened, she held up her finger and said “Chloe did it.” “No, I didn’t,” came a wail from across the table. Then I explained to her that she had bitten her own finger. Hmmmm. There’s no end to a mother’s job! Thanks for commenting.
February 24th, 2010 at 22:48
Thats huge that you finished your first version. Forgive me for being absent here lately. You know the story. Hope all is well.You are Super Mom.
February 25th, 2010 at 09:33
Hi Courtney,
thanks for the encouragement and support! I do understand how it is. I’ve also been out of the blog loop. I’m doing great - at least I will be next Monday when Chloe goes back to school LOL!!!!