We also bought grandma books for each of Ben's grandmothers. The books include places for to complete a family tree and memories of their childhood. On the one hand, I felt like I was giving them homework. On the other, I felt a little selfish - because I can't wait to read them myself. I know it will be a while before Ben will be interested in his grandma's favorite movies growing up or her first family vacation, but I can't think of anything I would love more to know about my own grandmothers and great-grandmothers at this point in my life. I'm sure he will feel the same way someday.
At church this morning, (we've been attending Unitarian Universalist as of recently - I'll write about that later), the reverend spoke of appreciation of all women in our lives, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, teachers, and all women who care for and about children. She also mentioned the origins of mother's day being far different from the holiday we celebrate today.
Originally activists with the woman's suffrage and peace movements honored a mother's day, but that is far from the more commercialized version celebrated today. Through conversation today I heard those disagreeing with all women be honored today when some are not mothers. Others said the concept of mother's day leaves too many women hurt, particularly those unable to have children or those who have lost a child.
I am almost certain mother's day isn't going to be removed from the calendar any time soon, so I'm not sure why this can't be a holiday to celebrate women. The reverend mentioned that next year she hopes to delve deeper into the origins of the holiday and the call for peace.
We had my parents over last night for dinner and had dinner at my in-laws today to celebrate the holiday. Josh gave me a family membership to the Dickerson Park Zoo - a perfect gift in my opinion. Not another thing to keep in the house, but twelve months of experiences. So much more valuable to me.
Ben enjoyed his mother's day as well. He rolled over again, for maybe the fourth time total. He wasn't expecting to and was so frightened that he began crying. He is holding his head up so well, smiling all of the time, and is such a big "talker."
These pictures of Ben in the huge high-chair at the table. He joined in the conversation and had a wonderful time at dinner.
hmm where did you get the grandmother books. and do they have grandfather ones? interested to know. meeces.pieces at gmail.com
ReplyDeleteglad you had a nice first mother's day. we were very busy visiting family and passing the baby around to grandma's on both sides for cuddles. I'm exhausted today. at the church we call 'home' still, even though we dont get there often, they used to have a mother's banquet where if you were 30, you brought your mom and your kids, and everyone brought potluck stuff to share, the men served drinks wearing their aprons (if they had them) and cleaned up. Sometimes they would tape the bottom of a chair or dot the bottom of a cup and you'd get a centerpiece, there were also prizes for the one who travelled the furthest, or was the oldest mother, or the newest mom. I dont remember much else about it, but a few people were worried about those that dont have kids, so now they do a 'ladies night out' where its paid for by the church, catered, some guys still come and serve drinks and help clean up, and there's a contrived show put on by the committee or they talk someone into singing for everyone. its okay, but I miss the mother's day thing. Especially now that I'm a mom.. sigh. BUT I do know that everyone HAD a mother and that was the point. I'm 99% positive that our lady friend who had a total hyst. would go with her mom and not feel bad about it. She'd coo over our baby and keep her feelings to herself if she has any. I have an idea she might, but it IS a personal thing. I think we're too pc, even in our churches. Perhaps we could open up the discussion instead of just sweeping it under the rug? Sigh. It's a thought.