I had two boys, delightful specimens of mankind, surprises each, entering the world with a scream and,
“It’s a boy!”
The third time I wanted no surprises. During my second trimester my Ob-Gyn told me,
“It’s a girl!”
His words changed my world.
Frogs and snails and puppy dog tails became sugar and spice and all things nice.
I was overjoyed, ecstatic, speechless.
Frothy, pink outfits,
Pony-tails and dresses…
..or not!
Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes.
My happiness was reflected everywhere I went. Concrete, glass and urbanity softened their edges and smiled back.
Winter heralded what was to come and bumped into the daffodils before roses and mocking birds called my beautiful daughter forth.
When I brought her home from the hospital I threw a party and bought flowering potted plants to adorn the table. They were lilac and dusky pink Perriwinkles, delicate, transluscent and fresh, just like her.
I had found my love -name for her. Perriwinkle.
She had found her favourite colour. Purple.
When she began to run around she became “Perriwinkle-Twinkletoes.”
Today Winks told me of her new job as a nanny to a six week old. She used similar adjectives to mine when she told of her amazement and surprise at being offered the job.
“Ecstatic,” she had said, “Lost for words.”
Yes, I know the feeling, mute ecstasy are good descriptors.
“What will you call me now Mum? Your nanny daughter? A real-live Mary Poppins in the family?”
“Paris Poppins,” I suggested. Then,
“Perri-Poppins!”
Well hello there! My name is Vivienne McNeny.
I am an empty nester exploring life as a Boomer…you could say I'm happily Boomering along!
As a homeschooling Mum I have finally quit the job of role model and mentor to my four children. I do what I want to do, eat when I feel like it, enjoy life with my blue eyed cowboy and clean my house once a month or so whether it needs it or not!
In true English form I write about the emergence of my true identity now that I can no longer hide behind my children as their Mum.
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