And, here I sit...

I have always said that each pregnancy is as different as the baby it births, and this pregnancy is certainly no exception. 

Since I was 5 weeks along, I have been on "modified" bed rest. "What's 'modified' bed rest?", you ask? Well, I'd like to know that answer to that, too. As best as I can determine, it means that I'm not supposed to push, pull or lift heavy things (toddler children, included), rest "as much as possible" (um, does anyone realize that I have SIX other children?), don't walk/stand around for very long, and drink a lot of water (kinda counteracts the "resting" eventually, doncha think?). 

All of the above directions are somewhat relative depending on who is interpreting them. While my doctor might be envisioning me lying on the couch, with a glass of ice water in my hand, whilst I doze on and off, my interpretation (my REALITY) is vastly different. I really do sit as much as possible (feeling like a lazy jerk the entire time) and when my older kids are home it's much easier because they can let the dog in and out the door, play with younger siblings, etc. But, when it's just me (and the younger 1 or 2 kiddos), I really can't ignore the dog's barking, or the toddler table-dancing in a shower of iodized salt, or my hunger. 

Truly, it would be easier (in a sense) if my doctor told me, "Don't move your pregnant posterior out of bed unless the house is on fire.". In that case, I'd be able to drop most of the guilt and stay put. In that case, my husband wouldn't look at me and say, "Well, maybe you could walk with us to the park???". In that case, I would be able to clearly explain to others why sometimes I feel like I can get away with a short, small trip to the grocery store or 45 minutes in the Adoration Chapel, while other times, I feel like driving to my kids' school to drop them off is "too risky".

You see, this vagueness leaves me with an odd combination of feeling overly guilty while also feeling overly angry with people who just "don't get it" why I'm "lazing around so much". 

As is looks now, my doctor feels pretty sure that as we get further along into the 2nd trimester, I'll be on "full" bed rest, perhaps even in the hospital. I really hope there's a pamphlet with definitive guidelines on the Dos and Don'ts of "full" bed rest. 

Who's Your Baby-Mama?

Bet you thought I was talking about Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.
Nope.
Maybe Jerry Springer or Maury?
Wrong again!

Lately, when I hear the words, "baby-mama", a much different thought pops into my head. My nearly-16 month-old son has a fairly good vocabulary (doesn't walk yet, but he sure can tell us what he wants!). For the past couple weeks I have been enjoying his efforts to repeat the words he hears: "Nuh-Nana" for Banana, "Ming" for Swimming, "Mo-Uck" for his combination of a loud motor and a truck, "Hi Baby!" (this one is really clear and totally hilarious when he says it to strangers!).
He's getting to the point where he's willing to try more difficult sounds and even some short sentences, so yesterday I thought I'd try something sweet and meaningful: "I Love You".

Mom: "Hey, Buddy.... I LOVE YOU."

Baby Boy, nestling his head on my shoulder: "Baby-Mama."

Mom, a little more pointedly: "Sweetie, I LOVE YOU."

Baby Boy: "Baby-Mama!"

Mom: "I LOVE YOU. Now YOU say it!"

Baby Boy, snuggling close and smiling: "BABY-MAMA!"

And, then something clicked. Not for my son, but for me: "Baby-Mama" is the absolute best way he can think of to express what love means to him.

"Mama" was the first "home" that "Baby" was ever aware of, his safe nest. "Mama" was "Baby's" source of warmth, nourishment, and comfort before he was born and even now.

"Mama's" eyes are the eyes that "Baby" gazes into while he nurses.

"Mama's" hands are the hands that give "Baby" his favorite snacks and toys.

"Mama's" voice sings "Baby's" favorite song, "Baby Beluga", when he is tired or bored.

"Mama's" arms cuddle "Baby" to sleep at night.

Without words, from the time my son was aware of his existence, he learned what love meant from his mother. We all did.

What an awesome compliment my small child paid me yesterday. What a tremendously joyful obligation, as well.

What better way for my son to tell me he loved me, how much he loved me by saying these two simple words together: Baby-Mama.

So, why don't you call your Mama, and tell her, in your very special way: "Baby-Mama". She'll know just what you mean!