Mom's Visit

My mother was here for three weeks. When you read that, depending on your relationship with your own parents, you’ll inevitably have a strong reaction. Some people will flinch -- regarding such an instance of prolonged parental attention as torture. Some will smile -- remembering their own mother helpers after birth.

I just look at it as a photo montage, a series of memories that somehow blend into a singular image of my mom holding Vivien and seeing my beautiful baby girl in her arms somehow gave me the feeling that I too was in her arms as I have been my whole life. Not literally of course. Literally we are thousands of miles away, which made these moments all the more precious.

The three weeks flew by and joyful times do. I woke each morning with a feeling of excitement and security, for I knew that I would have the most wonderful morning of all -- a morning spent with my mom, playing with Vivien and talking. It doesn’t matter the beverage, the time of day, or the location (here, the US, on the prairie path or walking around target), all that matters is that I have those moments to have good conversation with my mom.

We then had an activity. An outing with Vivien, a visit with a friend... my mom built up my confidence in taking Vivien out. We didn’t do many touristy things, but we did manage a trip to Vienna on her birthday and a trip to Danubiana, Vivien’s first museum. I can’t imagine a better person than my mom with whom to visit an art museum. Vivien is a very very lucky girl.

I’ve always learned from my mother. In this case it is somehow different in how natural it felt. She was showing me how to do things with Vivien, things that she had done with me that are a part of who I am and my own development -- because these moments with infants do develop who they turn out to be. Perhaps these were things that she learned from her mother, my Granny. It feels so much like the way it is supposed to be.

Her expertise was evident. My mother immediately reached for Viv. Grabbed her and held her close. She pulled her into those soothing, calming arms... and it worked. After a particularly long night, mom woke up to find me in the living room, holding Vivien and trying to get her to fall asleep. I had been trying for several hours and was feeling exhausted. How could one little-month-old baby fight sleep so fiercely? Mom took Vivien into her arms and in a matter of seconds Vivien was out... Magical arms my mother has.

In honor of my mom’s visit. Here are pictures of her and Vivien. Cheers to Mimi, a fantastic grandmother, a superb mother, and my best friend. I am forever indebted to her for the gift of this trip and for the lessons that I will take with me in my life and in my relationship with my own daughter.