Just a MOM???

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office,
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
"What I mean is, " explained the recorder,
"do you have a job or are you just a ...?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.
"I'm a Mom."
"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,
'housewife' covers it,"
Said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself
in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
"Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."
"What is your occupation?" she probed..
What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out..
"I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations."
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in mid air and
looked up as though she had not heard right.
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest,
"just what you do in your field?"
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
"I have a continuing program of research,
(which mother doesn't?)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the human ties,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers
and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."
Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers
"Senior Research Scientists in the field of Child Development and Human
Relations"
And great grandmothers
"Executive Senior Research Scientists?"
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts
"Associate Research Assistants."

Swimming Under A Rainbow

Asher went for his first baby party, and it was a swim party at that! Emma was the lovely host, and she had several friends over for the event. It was going to be Asher's first time swimming, and I was curious how he'd take to it. And I was pleasantly surprised to find that he took to it really well! :) In fact, all the lil tots took to it well, even though there was a cool breeze blowing and the water was initially freezing!! It was us adults who were more affected by the cold than the little babies! Baby fat? ;p

There were plenty of things to catch their attention. The pool had a little waterfall in one corner, a jacuzzi in another, and God even gave us the wonderful bonus of a beautiful rainbow!!

Anyway, it's certainly something we should bring Asher to do more often, cos....I want to swim too! It was my first time back in the pool since delivering! So, Emma, more pool parties yeah!


Before the swim, all decked out in his swim gear











Checking out the tiles









The lot of us










Family photo! :)









Mingling after the swim

Infantcare

Some pictures from infantcare sent to me by the teachers via email. My computer at home is still not repaired, so I can only update pictures sent to me by other people :)

Asher's still enjoying 'school', and for some (welcome) reason, he eats and sleeps better in school than at home! Several people have told me that it could be peer pressure (does it start that young?). Seeing other babies eating and sleeping could possibly prompt him to do likewise.

Anyway, whatever the case, I'm happy!

All sorts of things to play with:

































Exploring his own reflection :)









One of many new friends









Happy during diaper changes









Getting ready for his meal











zzzzZZZZZ