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In the movie Lost in Translation there is a scene in which Bill Murray's character explains that, upon having your first child, "your life as you know it is gone...never to return." The movie has been one of my favorites for years. I just wish that I had known he meant my life.

In early 2010, I gave birth to the world's most perfect child. (Is there a parent who doesn't think his/her child is the world's most perfect?) In addition to being beautiful, he is brilliant and sweet and funny and hands-down the best thing that will ever happen to me. This kid is my entire world. I had somehow suspected through most of my life that he would be, which is why I fought very hard to have him. But about the post-childbirth apocalypse, I had absolutely no clue.

To say things have changed would be misleading. EVERYTHING has changed. Most of it has been good--some not so great--but everything is without a doubt different. And now the world changes once again. My little family and I find ourselves journeying from the big city to beautiful, calm Montana. Will the change be for the better? As with anything, the answer is sometimes "yes," sometimes "no," and always sought with massive quantities of hope. Come with me as I navigate the roads from fast-paced, big-city lawyer to Montana Momhood. Is there a line that can be walked? We'll see. But I can guarantee, at a minimum, it will be an adventurous road trip....

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Just...Wow

I believe I have mentioned my understanding that, were my child to be prematurely famous, I would most likely join ranks with the Dina Lohans and the Drew Barrymore's-moms of the world.  I suspect I would be obnoxious (well, more than I am).  So while I don't know that I would walk away from the situation, I certainly don't seek it.

So what about on a smaller level (and one that is less about ME)?  We in Montana have been absolutely blissful about our darling Little League World Series team.  This group of 12-13 year olds has had us all enchanted for weeks now.  They made it all the way to the US Championship game, undefeated.  Which is incredible, particularly as Montana had never previously had a team in the series.  They were awesome.  And they gave the entire state something to cheer about.  Everyone has a story, from "I live down the street from #12," to "I know the coach well," to "I dated the uncle of the pitcher when I was in high school and he looks just like him and it cracks me up every time I see him."  It has been fun.

But the parent in me is (insanely?) worried about the situation.  These kids are in junior high.  Within weeks they went from about to start school to national spotlight, parades, front page of the paper every day.  I can't imagine what is going through their heads.  They are hometown heroes.  And they're just little kids.  Awesome?  Totally.  Worrisome?  For me.  I can't get past the fact that these kids can't believe that this is the pinnacle of their lives.  Or, worse, that they expect the next decade to be just like this.  I know, I know--I'm nuts.  Am I?  Am I completely insane to both want such an event in my kid's life and be grateful that it's not him?

I am fairly confident that most generations freak about the speed with which their children grow.  And I mean in terms of "zero to adulthood."  Fourth graders are in gangs.  Sixth graders are being sent home from school for dressing like garden tools.  And twelve year olds are being given parades.  Are we nuts to think that this stuff should slow down a bit?  Could it be done, anyway?  Am I just exceedingly OLD?  For once I'm not sure who's crazier--me or the rest of the world.
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