Ode to Megaboy 2
Posted under People I love
‘Megaboys’…that’s what MrSpud calls our children, his megaboys or his ‘men’. I think they must actually think they are a new, higher order of boys though as they now call themselves Megaboys (“Daddy! The Megaboys are in the bath!”). Must stop this before they start school for fear of any Lord of the Flies type thoughts entering their pretty little blonde heads.
So yesterday we carted the Megaboys off to a local horse show because that’s just the kind of fun parents that we were. There were horses, as you might expect at a horse show…
And, rather randomly but wonderful anyway, owls…
and then all the usual paraphernalia of such events; beer tents, live music, cake stalls, raffles, tombolas…all the trappings of an English fete in fact including a couple of rides and activities for small children. Both boys were pretty keen on a vast, and improbably pink, inflatable slide which I was very unsure about for Diggy as he’s only two. But I stood and watched my baby climb climb climb all the way to the top, slowly, carefully and with great determination. There was no WAY he was going to stand round and watch his big brother have all the fun…
…and then, as I saw his beaming smile as he reached the top, I felt them…those little tears of pride starting to prick. I couldn’t help myself, I didn’t dare look at MrSpud who blubs like a girl at the best of times. I was suddenly so aware of how grown up he is and how quickly he’s turned from a yelling newborn bundle of fury in to the brave little chap I was watching climb the mountain and hurl himself down, shrieking with sheer joy.
I haven’t had the easiest of relationships with Diggy. I found the first year of having two children very tough and I didn’t cope as well I might. Diggy was a very clingy baby and needed holding constantly, day and night. Sleep deprivation was high, and just getting through the day with the Klingon and a toddler was tough. I didn’t really ‘enjoy’ Diggy for a long time and that’s a real sadness to me; I can’t get those early weeks and months back, they are lost to me now. The memories are mostly bad ones; struggling through it and feeling so resentful that Bertie’s babyhood had been cut short by the unexpected arrival of Diggy…and how little time I had for my ‘big boy’ as I always had the baby in my arms. Or rather on my tummy or back as the Klingon basically lived in a sling for the best part of the first year of his life…
He’s still pretty high octane, a hurracaine really…but he lives life at 150% and is so up for everything that you have to forgive his maddening, willful streak. He is very affectionate and charms everyone we meet with his breezy nature and those white blonde curls. I’m hopelessly addicted to his sweet kisses and cuddles, and the feel of those soft chubby cheeks. It’s a wonderful feeling, this overwhelming, dizzy making feeling of being ‘in love’ with your child…I can’t get enough of it. It’s been a long time coming.
As always, I must say that your Megaboys are so incredibly cute. I am sorry it was such a hard time at first, but I am sure looking at those little cherubs every day is a small, but lovely, make-up for those lost times.
Oh Spud, you’ve made me tear up. I tell you honey, it will be tomorrow that they are driving. Lucky you that you get to spend so much time at home with them.
But here’s the best part for me about this post. I was getting misty, broody and bordering on melancholy until I came to the last photo and burst out laughing. Does Megaboy 2 have his little man pants on backward?
Count me as another with tears in my eyes. That boy is absolutely delicious. And your ode was heart-melting. I think that so often we mothers are told that there’s something wrong if we don’t instantly adore our children and relish every single moment of their existence. This beautiful posts show that even when it doesn’t come easily, it will come if you let it happen naturally, without forcing.
Thank you, also, for all of your wonderful comments over at my little blog. It’s going to be a very hectic week and I don’t know when I’ll get back to them, but I read them all and was really touched by all you had to say.
You’ve made me cry. I remember those days so well – as I was going through the same thing with Ysella around the same time.
He’s gorgeous, Spud. A true credit to you and S, and of course his big brother.
that is a beautiful, beautiful story. but i have to ask about the last picture…are his trousers on backwards?
and where are the haircuts of which you tweeted?
bravo for the moments with the megaboys. grab them all while you can, they are fleeting.
xox,
/j
You take such exquisite pictures — and those megaboys are super-photogenic.
Poignant words here, but you’ve got lots of good time left with your little ones. Just like there is no good time to have a baby, I’m pretty sure there is also no parenting experience without some regrets.
Oh Spud, what a heartwarming story, and you still have soooo much to come. Ashley was pretty much the same and yet she’s grown into such an independent little lady. Every now and again you’ll notice a big change and think how did I miss that one? Just savour the good times and be thankful for that camera… sometimes I have a hard time remembering how they looked at two, or three, or four!!!! or yesterday!!!!!
hugs…XXXX…Ali
I have tears running down my face at your beautiful words and pictures – this is such a beautiful testament to a Mother’s love!
What is wonderful to think about are the changes in the way the love gets returned. I am remembering the first time my daughter said “I love you, Mommie!” and I could tell that she was also full of love. Amazing.
What they take from us, they give back – we just need to keep that in mind!
i la la loooove your photography!
You are really gifted with wit.
Look at those curly locks…wow. gorgeous!
really, really adorable. and of course after reading the Fragrant Muse’s comments i had to go back and look at the last photo. priceless!
and as they grow up, they will only know you as the perfect “mum,” they won’t ever remember that anything was tough or that you struggled in any way at being a mom. trust me!
Oh my gosh J. you’ve got the cutest little boys ever!!!!! Can I have them for a weekend?? LOL
Hugs
B.
He is so cute. And so blond! Like a little baroque angel. This is a lovely post, so honest, it felt like reading a special confession.
The first photo is wonderful!
I’ve been away from blogs too long – great photos from Paris! I love that city. I go there a lot to visit my family and I always feel amazed by how beautiful it is. And only two hours journey away.
what a cute marzipan-angel… curls like silk for self-made dolls! nice declaration of love!
Thanks everyone….and KUDOS to the people who spotted the back to front trousers in the last photo! Taken a few weeks ago, I left the boys alone for a few minutes…when I came back they had swapped trousers and Diggy had his on back to front! Who am I to argue….x
I love that you are the kind of mother who not only leaves the pants on back to front, but takes a perfect picture of it.
I often look at my 21 year old son wistfully and wonder where the time has gone. Lucky for me, on the rare occasions when he’s sad, he still likes to sit next to me and have me put my arm around him. That’s when I get all teary eyed, remembering how it was when he was little.
Wow judith what an amazing introduction to your blog. i loved this post. it held so many secrets about love and joy that it made my heart ache. the photos on this post radiate the ultimate joy you have found with your little diggy. i adore my daughter so much it stretches the skin of my face to nearly bursting.
and thank you so very much for your comments on my unphotographical relyn! i loved what you said about experiencing paris with a journal in one hand, a camera in the other and your heart front and center.
your blog is wonderfully intelligent, humorous and you are a photographer. all of which will entice me to return.
XO so nice to meet you!
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