portraits of motherhood

set scene - The missionaries are coming over for dinner. The husband is trying to get home from work, detained by accident. The baby is fussing, and sitting on my hip/shoulder. I am cooking while I am holding the baby, holding her as far away from the stove as I possibly can while still being able to reach it. All the while I am perspiring to the Nth degree because we are having record heat and no air conditioning. Oldest uses the restroom, but needs me to help her put her underwear back on. While still holding the baby, I crouch down to try and manipulate the cotton briefs one handed. I try and brace the baby with the crook of my elbow, and use both hands to pull up the garment. Baby starts to tip and oldest says "I will help you mom" and proceeds to gently push the baby's head against my shoulder so she doesn't fall over.

scene - Mom balancing baby. Baby leaning on mom. Oldest leaning on mom and stabilizing baby.

portrait of the tragically funny.

set scene - Husband is getting ready for a scout camp-out by trying out his new tent, in the living room. I have spent the day sweating and sweating, making dinner, hosting guests at dinner, cleaning up dinner, and getting both kids down for bed (feeding the baby at both the beginning and end of the process (growth spurt)) by myself so husband can pick up said new tent. I sit on the corner of the moved couch (make room for the tent) so I can see the television and watch the finale of the Bachelorette, because all I want to do is lose myself in terrible (awesome) reality television programming. Tent goes up, tent goes down. I have eight minutes left of my show, and husband decides to play his guitar. This is after the whole tent endeavor. I decide to go there, and skip over the asking nicely part and go straight to the "seriously stop playing or play in the bathroom so I can just finish this show and figure out which guy she picks and get to bed. seriously." part.

scene - Wife, tired, sitting with fan blowing directly on her, scowled face. Husband staring, frozen in disbelief, hint of amusement.

portrait of the sadly cliche.

set scene - Both girls are up. I am trying to finish my workout after making husband lunch and getting oldest breakfast. Baby is sitting in her bouncy chair, eyes bright and open. I am doing my workout dvd on the floor and oldest is running from her yogurt, to trying to get away with putting things on baby's head, to attempting workout moves right along me. It's a little distracting. But I can't keep from smiling.

scene - Mom laughing in sweaty aerobic wear. Oldest attempting squats. Baby watching mom and oldest, silently judging.

portrait of the hopefully optimistic.

and this is just a small part of the full range.