Posts Tagged "expectations"

Pardon the Interruption

Posted by cafebebemama on Nov 15, 2011 in Blogger Love, NaBloPoMo | 1 comment

Yesterday I turned 41. I had a lovely birthday with friends and family present, calls from family abroad and delightful presents from many. Ella “helped” me to open every single one (didn’t even get my hands on them to tell you the truth) and was happy to lead everyone in a round of “Happy Birthday” over gluten-free fairy cakes.

For the first time in forever, I didn’t have any expectations surrounding my birthday. I LOVE birthdays; particularly my own! My over-active imagination always builds up my birthday to something that no one can ever provide so I generally have a teeny bit of disappointment at the end of my birthday. This year there have been so many things to think about, worry about and tend to that I barely thought about my birthday much less raised my expectations too high.

Instead, I enjoyed the day, put my feet up occasionally so the swelling in my ankles didn’t reach elephant proportions and just rolled with the day. It was MUCH more fun that way, I tell you. Lowered expectations aren’t such a bad thing after all. And I ended up having those expectations surpassed which is a very good thing.

I received 3 cookbooks so I can perfect my gluten-free cooking and baking and maybe once in my life give a Jamie Oliver recipe a whirl. I received the Bruno Mars CD and some lovely gifts from my extended family as well. My great friend Sabina gave me a delightful scrapbook with pictures of our girls over the last 3 years which is truly special. I felt the “love” which is always wonderful.

And now today, I throw myself headlong into sorting, organising and throwing away tons of worthless shit that should have been thrown away years ago things to clear out the wardrobes from our two main rooms in anticipation of the Project Changing Rooms move. Please pardon the interruption from my usual ranting, complaining and blogging about blogging to deal with reality for a bit. What fun we are having chez Cafe Bebe with 17 days to go until Bebe arrives! Anyone want to help out? Please stop on over or tell me what day you’ll be here.

Mothers Day or Just Sunday?

Posted by cafebebemama on Mar 14, 2010 in American Mum Me, Motherhood | 9 comments

Happy Mother's Day Mummy!

In England, it’s Mother’s Day today (Sunday 14 March).  I learned, whilst studying for the Life in the UK Citizenship test (yes, I had to take it…I passed) that Mother’s Day, or Mothering Sunday, is always the 3rd Sunday before Easter in the UK.  In the US, Mother’s Day is always the first Sunday in May.  You can learn more about the historical signficance of Mother’s Day in the UK at Bringing Up Charlie.

This is my second-ever Mother’s Day.  I was allowed a wee lie-in this morning before Little Miss and Hubby came trundling up the stairs with a cup of tea, a lovely card from Little Miss and a small bottle of Bailey’s from Hubby.  We had a nice few hours this morning before the “terrible two” who’s recently taken up residence in my 21 month old daughter took hold.  Being overtired and overemotional didn’t help her mood or mine.  Thus ended the fun of Mother’s Day.  Temper tantrums and “no-Mummy” ensued and Mummy didn’t feel so very special today.  I’ve found that on the weekend, Little Miss becomes a total Daddy’s girl.  I’m happy for him as she’s been quite the Mummy’s girl until recently.  However, it sure makes me feel worthless and helpless!  And on Mother’s Day as well.

Perhaps that’s my problem, though.  I have always tried to make holidays, whether “card company holidays” or not, special and fun.  My dad taught me how to do that.  Has it now made me expect far too much from special days?  Should I just let them pass, virtually unnoticed?  Should I lower Little Miss’ expectations so much that she’s never disappointed?  I don’t think so.  How do you spend your Mother’s Day or Father’s Day or St. David’s Day?  Does your other half consider it important or not?  And if you’re opposed in your wishes, how do you work it out?  Is today just another Sunday for you and your family?  As this is only my second Mother’s Day, I would love to know what everyone else thinks.  Happy Mother’s Day to you all, while I’m at it!