Monday
Dec132010
the big One
Monday, December 13, 2010 at 6:13AM
One year ago this evening, we were on a snowy freeway, heading home from a day in Anacortes, making jokes about giving birth in a snowbank on the side of the road. When I awoke at nearly 3:00am -- fewer than six hours after arriving safely home -- I had no idea that I'd be a mother before the sun came up.
That morning, my body's efficiency -- my own innate and unwavering knowledge of what to do (or what to allow my body to continue doing) amazed me. Being so totally powerless to biology, to oneself isn't something I'd have guessed I'd enjoy, but I got out of that birthing tub feeling like I could do it all again, immediately, and love it just as much. My birth experience was a lucky one: short, comfortable, in the most perfect venue I could imagine (can you think of a hospital that would welcome an already-pushing woman with a warm bath, dim lights and candles? Or a home birth you don't have to clean up [yes, this heavily influenced my decision; I am lazy]? Didn't think so.). Of course, the luckiest part of my birth was the result: the tiny, bald grouch we got to take home.
Every day of motherhood, at least so far, is different. Some are so good I feel almost as triumphant as I did when they first plopped George onto my chest and I knew I had done it. But those days wouldn't be so great without the converse: the sleep-deprived, rainy, shit-on-your-clothes days when you're begging an infant, please, just tell me what to do. I've found, though, that despite the insistence that I'd forget childbirth -- the "so the species can go on" half-joke that serves only as one of many sexist scare tactics pregnant women and mothers face -- what I'm forgetting instead are those regrettable, difficult why-won't-you-end days, in favor of the wins.
This year, I've gotten to know myself in a different way. I've become less self-conscious in order to be present with my child. I've made stupid faces and funny noises and sung in public and been (mostly) unconcerned with how I look to all but one little person. I've changed my expectations, let my sleep, my free time and my body be temporarily hijacked. And, you know what? I'm doing a good job. He's a happy, loving, trusting, communicative, confident boy. Not afraid to make friends with strangers, proficient signer who's finding his words, giver of unsolicited kisses, giggler and enthusiastic try-er of anything.
The way we all begin is common by definition, and in the past I may have been tempted to apologize for parenthood's inherent cliché, but having a child has given me an appreciation for our individualities, for the fact that we each have a story. George's started a year ago and I'm a lucky sucker for getting to be a part of it every day. Celebrating birthdays is one of my favorite things to do, and this is the big one. The big One.
Happy birthday, chicken. I love you the most.
(black and white photos by Tiffany Burke. Hire her; she rules.)
That morning, my body's efficiency -- my own innate and unwavering knowledge of what to do (or what to allow my body to continue doing) amazed me. Being so totally powerless to biology, to oneself isn't something I'd have guessed I'd enjoy, but I got out of that birthing tub feeling like I could do it all again, immediately, and love it just as much. My birth experience was a lucky one: short, comfortable, in the most perfect venue I could imagine (can you think of a hospital that would welcome an already-pushing woman with a warm bath, dim lights and candles? Or a home birth you don't have to clean up [yes, this heavily influenced my decision; I am lazy]? Didn't think so.). Of course, the luckiest part of my birth was the result: the tiny, bald grouch we got to take home.
Every day of motherhood, at least so far, is different. Some are so good I feel almost as triumphant as I did when they first plopped George onto my chest and I knew I had done it. But those days wouldn't be so great without the converse: the sleep-deprived, rainy, shit-on-your-clothes days when you're begging an infant, please, just tell me what to do. I've found, though, that despite the insistence that I'd forget childbirth -- the "so the species can go on" half-joke that serves only as one of many sexist scare tactics pregnant women and mothers face -- what I'm forgetting instead are those regrettable, difficult why-won't-you-end days, in favor of the wins.
This year, I've gotten to know myself in a different way. I've become less self-conscious in order to be present with my child. I've made stupid faces and funny noises and sung in public and been (mostly) unconcerned with how I look to all but one little person. I've changed my expectations, let my sleep, my free time and my body be temporarily hijacked. And, you know what? I'm doing a good job. He's a happy, loving, trusting, communicative, confident boy. Not afraid to make friends with strangers, proficient signer who's finding his words, giver of unsolicited kisses, giggler and enthusiastic try-er of anything.
The way we all begin is common by definition, and in the past I may have been tempted to apologize for parenthood's inherent cliché, but having a child has given me an appreciation for our individualities, for the fact that we each have a story. George's started a year ago and I'm a lucky sucker for getting to be a part of it every day. Celebrating birthdays is one of my favorite things to do, and this is the big one. The big One.
Happy birthday, chicken. I love you the most.
(black and white photos by Tiffany Burke. Hire her; she rules.)
Reader Comments (4)
Congratulations. And happy birthday, George. Y'all are beautiful.
Happy Birthday to you both!
I am a teary mascara'y mess, this is beautiful. George is the tops. You are doing such an incredible job. And I am blessed to know you and learn from you. Happy Birthday.
oh sweet sweet george. i am so happy to be a part of your life. happy birthday little friend!