I am a receptionist. An ear-piece-wearing, front-desk-sitting, multi-line-answering, hello-may-I-help-you professional. Indeed, one might say I answer to a higher call. When the phone rings, I ask not what my caller can do for me, but what I can do for my caller. haha OK...bad jokes...er...really bad jokes. But shouldn't I be entitled to a few when for 8 hours a day all my conversations begin with "Hello (Company Name)" and end approximately 7.8 seconds later with a pleasant and professional "hold one moment please" as I direct the call? Who else can say that they've spoken with over 100 people today, 85% of which they've never met and who don't even know their name? Yup, I am officially awarding myself a few moments to rant about whatever it is I want. And with that said - you can only imagine what this blog must be filled with. That's right, my ridiculous ramblings that somehow get nixed by the criss cross of telephone lines and muffled by the mish mash of may I help yous.
I started this new calling in life just about three weeks ago and it really is such a wonderful job, not to mention a huge blessing in my life right now! It's not quite the broadcast avenue I'd planned on traveling, but it's an interesting detour nonetheless. I've been able to learn some different skills and meet new people all while bringing home some much needed mulah. In fact, I even consider this job the perfect prep for the call of motherhood. This comparison hit me when someone asked me about my job and the most truthful description I could muster was summed up by saying "Well, I babysit the phone all day." You see, when a baby cries you pick it up and answer. And when that phone rings, guess who comes to the rescue? Yes, Kim Sigety picks it up and answers. I know what you're thinking - That's all there is to motherhood right? So pretty much after about 3 months in this position I'll be more than ready to be a mom. If only that were true! haha
So I guess that brings me to a fun stopping point for this post (I was wondering where all this rambling would lead) Consider this post a call to all you wonderful mothers out there. That's right - this receptionist is making a call of her own. Mothers I need your advice! Aside from all I'm learning at work, I know there's much more I'll need to know to be a good mom. (haha...go figure) So here's your chance to tell me all the things you'd wished you'd known before you had your baby. Cause chances are in the not so distant future I'll be well on my way to having a husband in law school and a bun in the oven...and this girl could use some tips!
Thus in honor of the theme of this post: Please leave a message after the beep.
**BEEP!**
I’m pretty sure Kenna ate her own poop this morning… I don’t think that anything can prepare you for that… In all honesty, I don’t think that you can do much to prepare for motherhood. It’s something that you really can’t understand until you embark on that adventure for yourself. Motherhood is definitely the greatest (and most challenging) thing I have ever done. For me, there is no joy that compares to that of being a mother. But it is hard. The hours are long, the tasks can be mundane and repetitive, and it gets awful lonely. I suppose if I had to pin it down, then the one thing that I wish I had done before having my baby is to not have idealized it so much. I think that I got lost in the fantasy of having a perfect baby and a perfect little family, so the reality that struck when we got stuck with a fuss-face (who is now a sweet fair-tempered little girl and the best thing to have ever happened to me!) was incredibly stressful and tough. I read a book recently that I think would interest you. It’s called “Surrending to Motherhood: Losing Your Mind, Finding Your Soul” by Iris Krasnow. (You can connect with me on goodreads.com and read my review of the book there). Read it now, and read it again many months after your baby arrives. Your perspective will change. Good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteHaha, you're so funny Kim. Like your friend, I thought "That will never happen to me when I'm a Mom, or I'll never do that," when observing others. I thought my children would be perfect little angels. I know it might sound negative but I just wish people told me how hard is was to be a mom instead of all the "Ah! You'll be fabulous blah blah blah." Just tell me that I'll wake up to my child covered in poop or that I'll probably have to count to 10 in my head before I start the disciple. Tell me that it will be hard but so rewarding. Tell me that all you have to do is take it one day at a time. I just wish people were real with me about it all, good and bad. So, I'll tell you in a couple more sentences. There are horrible, no good, very bad days where you are lonely, feeling alone and overwhelmed and you'll cry. Then there are days where you child will come and give you a kiss and tell you they love you, gives you a hug or gives you a flower and suddenly you are revitalized. You can do it. But one really good piece of advice, never stop praying or reading your scriptures. Some days that's all that keeps you going. This is especially true when you have more than one and they are a little older. Remember that you can't do it all but what you can do, do it well.
ReplyDeleteWell Kim.....Having had Cooper before we were even in Law School I had already done a little of the mom thing and then Matt started Law school and that is when I became the single mom!! I guess I didn't think about that. It was a little rough, but like your friend said that you have to remember that you are not alone. You have friends who are always willing to help and especially the Lord. I think I am saying a constant prayer all the time to know what to do and when to take a break and breathe. I love being a mom and I would never do anything different. I was driving in the car a couple of months ago and it had been a rough day. I was just ready to get Matt and go home and sit in my room for a little bit while Matt took care of the kids. I had the music turned up so that I could not hear the kids and Cooper finally got my attention and asked me why do we get married and I told him that two people get married because they love each other and want to have a family. We had a little conversation and at the end I asked him where he wanted to get married in the temple and I asked him which one and he said the one that you and dad got married in. It is times like this that I remember what we are really here for and I felt so much better and well I love being a mom.
ReplyDeleteStephanie: So insightful! And I think you'll appreciate this - I read your post to John and I'm pretty sure he stopped listening after the first sentence because he was so shocked. John wants to have a baby - but he wishes they came in the "non-pooping" variety. lol So to hear that Kenna might very well have eaten her own poop was amazing birth control for him. haha!
ReplyDeleteI think what you said about not idealizing motherhood is great advice. It got me thinking about how good that pespective is for lots of the events in life. The more you build something up, the greater chance for the actual to not live up to the fantasized. I'm learning that life is much more satisfying when you experience to the fullest the moments as they are and as they come. And besides, life never seems to come neatly packaged in the fantasies we anticipate, so why not sit back and see what shows up. Like your little bundle of joy - cause she sure came in a cute package! :) Thanks for posting Steph, and I'll have to check out that book too. Miss you guys!
Kirsten: Thanks for posting you wonderful little mommy you :) I agree with what you said about wanting people to be honest with you about motherhood. That's why I was so excited to read what all three of you ladies who commented had to say. So often you really do only hear the superficial instead of the cold hard but much appreciated truth. When all people tell you is the fun and cute stuff - I bet it would make the not so fun days that much harder. And I can tell you've been reading children's books lately because of your "terrible, horrible, very bad day" comment. hehe Love it - definitely one of my favorite books! So thanks for your great advice...and for being honest :)
ReplyDeleteAnd Lori: My fellow law school wife! :) I loved your story about Cooper. I could just picture him asking you about the temple in that cute little voice of his. That must be fun to see all those lessons about the gospel start to sink in. Motherhood really does sound like hard work, but having a good support system (The Lord, family, friends) really seems to make all the difference. Especially when those men of ours are off lawyering...or whatever it is they do all day. lol Good to know that you love being a mom. One of these days I'll jump on board the mommy train too - then I'll REALLY hit you up for advice. hehe Thanks for posting!
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