Real Moms take pictures of their kids screaming...

Melanie and Colleen both tagged us with the “Ream Moms” meme recently, and because we are real moms who have been busy lately we are just now getting around to it. Mama A recently gave you her monthly allotted dose of sap so I get to tackle this one. Be warned I am feeling wily today.

Real moms take pictures of their kids screaming.

Not all mothering moments are beautiful and picturesque, some of the best real mom moments are red faced and high pitched because the real mom says “NO”. No, to the 2nd helping of candy, or no to the bad behavior. Real moms are not afraid to piss off the young, because they know in the long run it is the right thing to do. Real moms know that this tantrum, and probably the next are some kind of karma kicking in from tantrums of the past. Real moms also take pictures of their kids screaming because other real moms can see the humor in it.

Real Moms ditch their kids for a date night.

As much as they love their children real moms need to get the heck out of the house sometimes and just be with real dads. Whether it is hot and heavy, or fart jokes in a movie theater, real moms know that this time of reconnection with their partners in necessary and good for all involved.

Real moms are sometimes content to live in the shadows.

Real moms know that the second that baby bump forms they are no longer the center of attention. And they also know that once that baby is out, no one will be looking at her for a great long time. Real moms know that the universe has shifted and now every second of every day will be reprioritized. Real moms also know that every once in a while it is completely ok to step out of the shadows and yell “hey look at me for a damn minute, I am a person too”. Because while real moms are moms first, they are still women who need validation as people too.

Real Moms make time for family, even the family members that drive them slowly crazy.

Real moms know that while their own mothers, mothers in law or any other family members might drive them to slowly dig out their eyes with a spoon, it is good for the kid to know their family. Some of us are even crazy enough to make it a weekly engagement. Why you ask? Because real moms know that the young ones and the old people love it, and seeing them both smile at the same time makes us smile a little bit too.

Real moms need non-moms

Real moms need other real moms, we know this. It takes a village to raise a child and half that village is comprised of other mothers. Other mothers to ask for advice, support, and lean on. That being said real moms also need friends who have no interest in talking about poop and pureed bananas unless those bananas are in a tropical mixed drink. Real moms need to get out there with the girls and just have fun sometimes. Real moms need non-moms in their lives too.

Real Moms look like crap in the morning, and sometimes all day long.

Real moms sometimes wake up to an independent toddler that will let her shower and primp before leaving for the day. And then some times they wake up to a whiney needy baby that can not be put down. Real moms put themselves and their hygiene second sometimes to wipe butts and noses and end up looking like this. While real moms would not like to admit it, some days they would rather cuddle on the couch with a sick toddler than take a shower anyway.

Real moms are real, even on the internet.
We are honest and funny and obnoxious. We know that life is short and the kid is only little once. We get down on the ground and play, we sing silly songs and we kiss boo boos. We do all the things that our mothers and grandmothers did before us. The only difference is now, we not only have those mothers to lean on, but we have all of our online mother friends to lean on as well. Out here in the blog world I know I have been inspired by other real moms, and to them I say thank you. This real mom loves you bloggy chicks.

So to end this, I am tagging a few other real moms. Mrs. Flinger and Mrs. Jelly Belly. I can not wait to see what you ladies come up with!

XO Mama Em

Comments

[Colleen]

That sure was worth waiting for. I loved it all, especially the mom in the shadows and the mom looking like crap and the internet friend moms and the non-mom friends. You captured it all. Be sure to submit your URL to Kristen at coolmompicksatyahoodotcom so you'll be listed on her Real Moms page. More people need to read this! Awesome, Mama Em.

[Lawyer Mama]

Great one! LOVE that first screaming picture.

[Mrs. Flinger]

How can I possibly follow THAT! Oh, you make it hard to be nearly as witty. Must. Try. To. Make. Post.

I loved this!

[melissa]

Wow, this is awesome. Just a few comments: (1) your kid looks so darn cute when she's screaming. (2) you look MUCH better than I do in the mornings.

I always want to leave nice pithy comments on this blog, but instead I'm just kind of in awe at the two of you and how simple, sweet, and real you keep it.

[Beans]

I love, love, love this!

[tracey]

Excellent on all accounts!

[Natalie]

I am SO glad other real moms take pictures of crying kids, too. I am the joke of my friends because I keep snapping away when my daughter cranks it up. I love it!