Parenthood. I think I lost touch with the world the second the twins were born. I seem to have somehow lept off that slippery slope of what is and what is not acceptable behavior for a mother in public, but more specifically, how my actions might be perceived by those around me, especially those souls who do not have children, especially those who were once just like me...
Who would have thought I would become one of those people who smelled suspicious bums without blinking an eye, or cleaned snot off with my bare hands, or yes, stood by as my kids tore a room apart and justified it as an encouraging sign of easier times ahead because clearly, the twins were finally learning to play with each other.
I found myself in one of these very situations the other day.
We are entering the world of potty training and let me tell you, it's a treat. I will get straight to the story and spare you any gory details. Lulu announced she had to go potty so we rushed to the bathroom and plopped her on the seat. This is very exciting to the girls mind you-- after every attempt, successful or not, the girls cheer, " I DID IT" and clap their little hearts out and just beam with delight.
Anyway, this particular occasion was more on the solemn side. I was kneeling down by Lucy, holding her steady, when she looked at me intensely with her deep brown eyes. "Mommy" she said, as she grabbed my face in her two chubby little hands. She pulled my face towards her and pressed her little lips against mine and kissed me as she grunted away... It was at once this tender moment between mother and daughter, as well as this absolutely comedic experience--one of those moments Dave loves to describe as "When I woke up this morning, I never imagined I would be..."
Anyway, I smiled and encouraged my innocent Lulu in this important rite of passage and tried not to burst into laughter. The " I did it" escaped her sweet little mouth and the moment was lost, but will always be remembered (to a future Lucy's chagrin, I'm sure).
