The word WOW springs to mind when I see this picture, then a deep-rooted understanding and compassion for her in that exact moment. We have ALL been there...
The word multi-tasking is used in all our lives, it comes with the territory of looking after little people, but this picture of a Dallas mum really stopped us in our tracks, because it reminds us of those times when we need a third (forth, fifth!) arm to attend to our children's every needs. There's the daily scenarios like: trying to take the baby AND toddler out of the car without one waking, and the other running across the road, while you attempt to lock the car, put the keys in your purse, pick up your own bag, possibly a toddler's, and grab a soother from your pocket to calm the screaming baby.
Or, when you're stuck in traffic with a hungry baby, and you would do anything, ANYTHING for bionic arms like the mum in The Incredibles just so you can reach behind and soothe them before losing your mind in back-to-back rush hour traffic.
This image just sums of the craziness of life sometimes, but I love how this mum looks like she's taking it all in her stride. I can't say I would look quite so calm.
How strong does she look with her tandem-wearing, bottle-feeding, photo-taking scenario? Although she didn't realise she was being snapped, and was there to photograph the team – her husband is the coach – she has been berated by the usual keyboard internet warriors, wondering why she can't get a babysitter to mind her kids. Some naysayers say this is the wrong message to be giving to mothers, that trying to do all these things at once should not be regarded as 'normal' that it's giving mums the message that it's okay to try and be that multi-tasking superwoman.
Having been there, done that, I think tandem babywearing rocks; you do what you have to do – some days, you've got all of the things to carry, all of the things to do, at once, with time not on your side. And you know what? You just do whatever you can do to get it all done the best way you can.
Let us know your thoughts. Is this attention-seeking, or do you think she's kinda super?
