Perfect Mother’s Day gift (plus a “first words” video)
Today on the blog, I have the privilege of introducing you to a very sweet and talented friend of mine. I met Robin at the Allume Conference last year when I was, like, a thousand months pregnant and wishing I could be put to sleep until I gave birth. So it is very fitting she happens to be the author of a book highlighting the ups and downs of motherhood. Take it away, Robin …
I’m honored that Susan has allowed me to introduce myself and share about Then I Became a Mother. Occasionally, I refer to the book by its acronym: TIBAM.
Of course, you’ve got to pronounce it correctly. The stress falls on the second syllable. TI-BAM! (Feel free to imagine me saying this while holding my fist aloft or giving my thigh a good-natured slap. There’s some power behind the utterance.)
Most often, though, I find myself using the expression when I notice something about my environment – or about myself – that wasn’t evident eight years ago before I became a mother.
When I slide open the top rack of the dishwasher and notice that every item is either a plastic bowl or cup, for instance, I chalk it up to TIBAM.
When I memorize the entire PBS cartoon line-up, it’s because of TIBAM.
When I’m woken before six in the morning by a child with an urgent, yet remarkably random question (Is it true that the national bird is an eagle? Would a stamper work on my sister’s head?), TIBAM is written all over it.
When I rummage in my purse to search for car keys but instead find a diaper, Goldfish cracker crumbs, a naked Barbie and a pine cone, it’s due to TIBAM.
When I see the young mother in the supermarket – the one hushing her crying newborn, the one who feels like the walls are closing in on her, the one whose eyes reveal the weariness inherent in new motherhood – I want to hug her and whisper in her ear that she’s going to make it. I know because of TIBAM.
When I understand that it’s possible to be as equally thankful for bedtime at night as it is to be awestruck by little faces in the morning, I utter a quiet TIBAM.
When I find myself rushing some days because of the tedium and desperately clinging to them because of their goodness, I recognize that it’s all part of TIBAM.
Then I became a mother. TI-BAM! It changes everything, doesn’t it?
To celebrate mothers this week, Then I Became a Mother is on sale for just $2.99. If you know a mother with young children, this is a perfect Mother’s Day gift for her. And if you are a mom of young children, let this book speak life, humor and encouragement to you right where you are.
Which, if you’re like me, is a kitchen with a sticky floor and an overturned bucket of Legos.
Thanks so much for sharing, Robin. Read reviews of the book and watch a brief TIBAM trailer at Robin Kramer’s blog.
Oh and, before I go, I want to share a special TI-BAM! moment of my own with you. 😉 After months of training my son to press his lips together to form the word “Ma-ma,” this is what I get …
Happy Mother’s Day!
Precious. A wise woman once told me that “the days are long, but the years are short.” My kids are 26, 23, 20, 18, and 14 now… she was so right. Enjoy every second.
And Happy Mother’s Day!
Awww. The video was priceless!