1.16.2008

Black Magic


Did you hear? Katie Holmes said that being a mom is "magical."

And it really is. In fact, if someone were to ask me what I think about motherhood, I would have to say it is the most rewarding, amazing, fulfilling and beautiful thing I've ever done in my twenty-odd years on this earth. It's truly magical.

But, c'mon Katie, enough about how Suri is a natural artist and a beautiful woman. Let's talk about the other magical qualities that children have - like the ability to make us crazy? Case in point: Miss Dub, who has had a raging fever for the last four days, which led to a febrile seizure and ear infection yesterday. It's not that I don't feel bad for her; I've been worried constantly and my heart has ached to see her in such agony. But my ears have also ached to hear her incessant whining, not to mention ridiculous songs from unhealthy amounts of children's television. And my belly is sore from rocking her to sleep as she woke up every two hours each night. That's magical, alright. And I'm anxious to find a spell to reverse it.

And what about the ability to make you lose your sense of style? Just the other day I looked down to realize that I had a crusty piece of mac and cheese on my shirt. And while I did try to remove the largest chunk, I didn't even consider changing my top. I mean, that would mean more laundry for me, and my baby has already magically increased my weekly washing load.

What Katie also isn't telling you is that sometimes babies interest us in witchcraft, too. Sometimes even the best moms think, "Is there any possible way I could wish my child away for one day so I could get some (sleep/things done/sanity)?" Sometimes moms think, "I wish that I could stop thinking, 'Shut up!' or 'Grow up!' or 'Learn to freakin' talk already!'

But unfortunately, that sort of magic is beyond even a baby's miraculous capabilities. That sort of magic is too advanced for moms, though many still seek after it. (And end up in a bad relationship with a warlock.)

Of course, the good magic far outweighs the bad. Like, how you can actually find yourself grateful for the opportunity to snuggle with a sick baby at 3 a.m. Like, how you can find yourself changing a rancid diaper without the slightest disdain for the pooper. Like, how you can find yourself totally missing your child after being away for only a few hours.

That is magic.

But next time mention the poop part a little, Katie. It would make you seem a little less robotic.

21 comments:

Laurel said...

You are hilarious...motherhood is certainly magical!

Mary said...

Grandmotherhood is magical too. I was just waving my wand to see a picture of my girl and ... poof ... there it was.

Now, I want to hear how her fever is completely gone. That would be some good magic.

Angy said...

being an auntie is magical too! :D

hilari said...

i know how you have always had a sick thing for warlocks.

i think what katie forgot to say is that the magical moments are about 10% of the time. while the ordinary life stuff makes up for all the rest. the thing is, she is probably only around for that 10% - the nannies get the other 90.

Alifinale said...

Glad to hear I am not the only one who finds the same kind of magic in motherhood. The disappearing act would be amazing but you are right we wouldn't enjoy it for as long as we think we might.

Jen said...

I feel particular sympathy for the mac and cheese mention. I feel like my pregnant belly thinks it is a catch-all for whatever food I am eating that really wants to return to the floor.

Ilene said...

Please. Parenthood for Katie is magical because I'm betting she has a nanny. My children would be magical if I could pawn them off on someone else to take care of dirty diapers,feed them, and watch over their 3am wake ups while I was off checking out the latest Valentino collection.

It seems I do my shopping at Target, looking at their clearance collection with both boys in tow spreading a popcorn trail throughout the store.

Laurel said...

I think she also said her 2 year old was a very "strong woman," so there must be some kind of magic going on in that household.

As for my house, the best magic would be to get my 4 year old to actually do what I say without having to repeat it 10 times. Does anyone out there have a potion for that one? Anyone?

steph said...

yeah, but i commend katie for only saying the positive stuff b/c everything she says is on record, so little suri will one day read all (or at least some of it), and she should know that more than anything else, her mom enjoyed raising her.

trust me, my sister and i heard far too much how difficult raising children was... and we were good kids... easy for a mom. i'd rather hear that having children changed my mom's life for the better...

love the miss dub!

Kate said...

Something fishy is going on. In another article Katie describes Suri as "very smart and strong... And really magical." So motherhood is magical, AND her baby is magical. Maybe they really are witches. In any case, I really like Katie's haircut in her Letterman interview.

Hilary said...

Hilarious! What a great description of motherhood. THis posts needs to be in some sort of a magazine. You truly are a gifted writer. I also saw Katie on Dave and laughed when she talked about her 1 1/2 year old being a natural artist - and is sure she will be a beautiful actor. An artist at what? Smearing Jello on her high chair? Loved the post.

Cichelli said...

Being a celebrity mom is probably magical. I'm sure she has both a nanny and a personal trainer. Oh, and millions and millions of dollars so she never has to worry about anything related to finances.

Kelley Bochman Smith said...

EVERY Mother needs some time off!!! So when your cute babies stop nursing, let their gandparents whatch them for an overnighter. I know that a lot of you live out of the same state, or maybe have Moms who just aren't that type or sadly, your mom is gone, but try to find a way. Those short amounts of time away kept me sane and kept me from hurting my kids. I am ashamed to say that when I am overly tired and stressed, I have been known to lose it. I was hit way too hard as a child, my Mom raised us by herself and worked full time, didn't have a support system and self medicated. Luckly (amazingly blessed) I found the gospel in my high school years and from then on I continually try to be like the wonderful women I am around.(and emulate the good stuff my mom instilled,and I know she tried really hard)Anyway I was able to stop the cycle, but it wasn't easy. By the way Mrs. Dubb., I know you are an amazing mother and I have seen you in action. I think it's time for your bff and I to take a trip out there soon, and you two can take a girlfriend trip......love you! PS And I don't want my bff to think she's neglecting you, I KNOW she'd be there at the drop of a hat, if you asked her.

melissa walker said...

I know you don't know me well (or at all) besides our proximity, church, mutual friends--but I'm really close so if you need help with Miss Dub so you can sleep(since my little one is the same age) or a meal, or anything else, let me know! It would give me a good excuse to come meet you and say Hi in person!
mlbwalker@gmail.com

Janni said...

Thank you for telling it how it really is! I am sure I would think motherhood was magical if I was tall, skinny, beautiful, rich, worked out at the gym three hours a day, and had a nanny so I never had to stay up all night with a croupy, gassy, or teething baby!

NG said...

Of course, I have no way of knowing this, but my guess is that Katie doesn't change too many poopy diapers and she probably has someone to do her laundry so she can change her shirt as much as she wants. Wouldn't THAT be magical?

sara said...

Good post. I myself have noticed that my children have been slowly but steadily sucking my brain away. I think I'm still smart enough (I can help with Advanced Math homework), but my short-term memory is absolutely shot. Oh yeah, and I have no recollection of 2004. Maybe if I took up Sudoku or crossword puzzles?

Megan B said...

Robotic is a good way to describe Katie...at least on Regis & Kelly. Didn't love her.

The Rookie said...

I heard macaroni is the new "It Look" this season. Flaunt it.

Also, as self-proclaimed president of the Musings and Misadventures Fan Club (henceforth known as MMFC), I've tagged you and your verbal prowess for a writing meme. (Hope you don't mind). Check it out on my blog. :)

Rachie said...

I am more crazy lately...Ethan has been sick too and his constant whining makes me want to jump in front of a bus.

Joey and Megan said...

Okay, I've been lurking for a long time now, I'm in Glamma's ward so that's how I found your blog. Anyway, loved this post, and just today we happened to flip on the TV and Dr. Phil was on, a parenting show, and his wife Robin said, "I can honestly say that I never yelled or raised my voice at my kids." My husband said, "Gimme a break you liar" and flipped the channel. Her kids must have been magical too.