Thursday, April 08, 2010


Against my strongest manipulations to keep Macie my baby, she, like the other two, is quickly moving towards independence. She loves to tell me "I can do it all by myself" and I love to tell her "sometimes you need a mama".

You can get the milk out all by yourself
And you can put the lid on all by yourself
But you don't know how to pour and you can't twist the lid tight so it doesn't spill
So sometimes you need a mama

You can put your panties on all by yourself.
And you can put your pants on all by yourself
But you can't get your shirt on and sometimes both your legs get stuck in the same hole
So sometimes you need a mama

You can climb the playground all by yourself
And you can go down the slide all by yourself
But you can't push yourself really high on the swing or give yourself an underdog
So sometimes you need a mama

You can go potty all by yourself
And you can flush the potty all by yourself ( I am in big trouble if I try to help with that one)
But at times you need help, well, you know, cleaning up
So sometimes you need a mama

You can read books all by yourself
And you can play tea party all by yourself
You can ride your scooter all by yourself
And you can sing songs all by yourself
But doing it all by yourself is not always the most fun
So sometimes, sweet Mace, you still need a mama

And I can promise you-mama still needs you too.


10 comments:

Marissa said...

And sometimes she gets those panties and pants on backwards. It sounds so pitiful that she plays tea party all by herself... But it's so dang cute to see, her sippin her tea with 3 other cups and empty chairs at the table.

I love the last picture.

Heidi said...

So sweet!

Amy said...

Gretchen, that was absolutely beautiful, and so true. I have an "I do it MYSELF"er, as well right now, and sometimes it just hurts my heart a little. But he still needs his mama too.

They grow too fast.. :(

Unknown said...

This was so beautiful. It made me cry a little!

Laughed so much about you getting in trouble if you flush : ) I mean, come on Gretchen, flushing is SO much fun...

: )

Now, get off the computer and go and sew a dress : ) Not only do I THINK you can do every single thing in the world, I know it : )

Sarah said...

I teared up. That is so sweet!

Dan, Heather, and Bjorn said...

I love your poem! <3
-h

Dan, Heather, and Bjorn said...

Sweet one, Gretchen :)

Dan

Anonymous said...

tear jerker!

Unknown said...

I miss your words.

kasey said...

Beautiful Beautiful poem!!!!!!! Love it!!! I wish I could write that way!