It’s not what you think.

This summer will be full of babies and children. No, Mom, I’m not pregnant.
I’ll be visiting plenty with my favorite niece and nephew, I’ll probably be in the nursery for VBS, and I’ll be hanging out and helping with my friend’s kids too.

My first few days “on the job” have been good. For those of you who don’t know, I’m spending the summer as a “Mommy Assistant”. My friend Katie has three adorable girls and a boy on the way, a farm with farm animals and a growing garden. I really mean “on the way” because they are at the hospital right now! When I get the call, I’ll be headed out there to meet the new one—only minutes old! I’ve never been so close to a newborn, so it’s very exciting to me; and one day I’ll be able to say, “You know, ___insert name___, I knew you when you were this big!”

So, back to my job. It’s only been two days, but last night I was completely wiped out! I can’t believe Moms across the world do this 24 hours a day (and Dads too). I’ve been playing, reading, being silly, giving the girls piggy back rides, helping them with food and clean up, doing dishes and helping Katie with food preparation. That’s not even half of what Katie does in a single day (remember the farm & garden?) and I’m already pooped. Maybe I should go back to teenagers?

In any case, it’s been great catching up with her and talking babies and pregnancy stuff. Her girls are so cute and funny. They call me “aunt Becca” and say things like:
--“FEATHER! hahah. I said ‘feather’ in your ear!”
--“Tan I sit on your yap?”
--When I was teaching the 2 year old colors, I said green and she repeated “GEEN!” and giggled.
--The 3 year old likes to say: “Tan you wap me up like a baby and sing rock-a-by-baby?”
--“I see you” except it comes out in baby talk, which I’m incapable of deciphering, so I just listen for the music of that phrase.

They just love interaction and attention! They play well together and they’re very easily pleased. It’s a good thing because I’m no Mom expert and I’ve already royally messed up on the kids’ songs. I realize I don’t know “rock-a-by-baby” nor “the B-I-B-L-E” (don’t hate me!) and I had to make up where the little piggies go: to the market, stayed home, to church and to school, then wee-wee-wee all the way home. I guess I should study.

Then, last night, Matt’s brother & his wife and kids came over for dinner. Again, we had a great time and I loved interacting with our niece and nephew! I’ve been learning a lot from all these Moms and I find myself thinking about what it’d be like if I was a Mom... No, Mom, still not pregnant. I think it’s as difficult as it is rewarding, but I know for sure that Moms have the strongest love and exercise the most patience and give of themselves, their time and energy more than we realize. They deserve our most sincere thanks!

So thanks Mom! I love you.