So, as you all know by now, we love watching the Today Show at Spohr Haus. I’ve actually watched the Today Show since I was just a kid, since way back in the Jane and Bryant days. Often the actual news part was of little interest to me. I was far more fascinated by the “experts” they’d have on the show. You know, the ones that knew everything about make-up or real estate or getting out of debt. I decided I wanted to be an expert when I grew up.
Back then, I didn’t realize how much work went into being an expert. I thought I’d be an expert piano player, but I didn’t want to practice. I tried being an expert bike rider, but they are REALLY in-shape. I thought maybe tetherball would be my key to success, but I didn’t have the height.
As I got older I became keenly aware that the expression “jack of all trades, master of none” was invented for me. I was good at a lot of things, but great? Nah. And so my dream of being an expert faded. Oh well.
And now, here I am, all these years later, and I’ve realized something. I’m not an expert wife, or mother, or daughter, or friend. But I AM an expert at being Maddie’s mother. I know all her ins and outs, and how she’ll react to me, what she’s thinking and feeling and even what she’s saying. There is no one that could be a better mother to her than I am – and it feels great.
Sure, it’s not as glamorous as being an expert on celebrity fashion, but given the choice between discussing Katie Holmes’ wardrobe or Maddie’s fondness for putting grass in her mouth, my little imp wins every time.
Now I just need the news and talk shows to come calling, and all my dreams will come true! 
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Yep. You’ve got it right. People sometimes look to me to be some sort of authority in child raising since I’ve raised four, but in truth- I am only sure about the raising of those four specific children who were all so very different. And Lord knows I made plenty of mistakes in raising them.
It’s a challenging job and no, we never get asked to be on talk shows. Dammit.
Ms. Moons last blog post..Act II, Scene III
they should put you on-you being the Maddie expert and Maddie being in love with Matt.
Domestic Extraordinaires last blog post..Tuesday’s Top Ten-The Awareness Edition
Well, I think that’s a pretty cool thing to be an expert of!
ShellyDs last blog post..Bark in the Park
She’s my favourite imp and you’re my favourite non-expert.
sam {temptingmama}s last blog post..Beware: I Am a Debbie Downer
Dayum, homegirl gots some eyelashes!
Very sweet post!
Alisons last blog post..Twin Saints (No, Certainly Not Us)
That is a perfect shot of Maddie.
I know it’s very uncool to say and the feminists will come with pitchforks any second now…but I kinda feel like I was born to be my kids mother.
Issas last blog post..10 years ago today
I think there isn’t anything you could possibly be a better expert of….I hope I’m an expect of my bun when he or she gets here.
it’s 100% true. i think this every time you write a post about her. you are amazing. the PERFECT mother for her!
alis last blog post..sure, it starts with pagina, but ends in ali weeping
I’m an expert too on unimportant things like The Beatles and the SF Giants…but there is one thing I am an expert on as well that makes me happy…Madeline!
They should put you on just to see what Maddie’s reaction would be to Matt!
Magda Ps last blog post..the shred!
That is a great photograph. You are really developing!
Yes, you are.
Funny, today I said to a man: “I’ve got 2 little boys, I can do anything”, and truth is? That’s pretty much true. Amazing what becoming a mother can do for us, eh?
So when Today needs a Maddie expert, you’ll be the one they call. Mike will be at home all like “I could totally do that”, or “She calls herself an expert?? Where are her credentials? I practically raised Maddie while she worked. She’s a stay at home mom for a couple months and suddenly SHE’S THE FRIGGIN EXPERT?!?!?!”
Luckily, you clarified that you are an expert at being Maddie’s Mommy… you must have thought through all that already.
Joe @ Irrational Dads last blog post..I Love It When a Plan Comes Together
You got THAT right! Although I’d really like to be an expert at being Maddie’s favorite stalker.
Anissa@Hope4Peytons last blog post..Sorry to disappoint