If I hadn’t just gone on a kid-free staycation, I would’ve asked for nothing more than a solo overnight trip for Mother’s Day. But I did have that staycation, and it did exactly what I needed it to do: it filled my cup to the brim. No, more than that. It overflowed my cup like a steady cascade of clear, cool relief. Softened its edges. Coming home might have turned off the faucet, but it didn’t undo what those 48-ish hours restored.
So when my husband and I talked about expectations for Mother’s Day weekend1, I wasn’t sure what I wanted anymore. (My desires seem to change by the hour.) But in an effort to not overthink a day that should probably not be overthought, I said I didn’t really need anything (ha!) before delivering the following list of requests.
“I’d like a handmade card from Soleil, a movie date with my mom to see The Devil Wears Prada 2, and brunch with the whole family. Oh, and I’d love a battery charger for my digital camera and a movie pass. Actually, could you fix my digital camera, too? I think it’s broken. Wait, let me show you these earrings. Of course I’ll also want to sleep in and have coffee in bed.”
One small detail: we had this conversation six days before Mother’s Day. Wouldn’t recommend that timing.
Brunch was the one thing I wanted to handle myself, but when I went to book a reservation at a fancy-but-not-too-fancy spot, Sunday was completely booked for a party of seven. Saturday, meanwhile, was wide open. A blessing in disguise, really.
It turns out you can go to brunch the day before Mother’s Day, skip the crowds, and basically give yourself a two-day celebration. Is this another mom hack?
A crowd-free dining experience was the first of a few unexpected gifts this weekend.
My mother-in-law is here.
She’s visiting from Texas, and y’all: she is the answer to my repeated prayers. Prayers that usually sound something like: "Parenting is exhausting! Send help that never leaves!” After which I typically just make another cup of coffee and resume my day.
Taking care of two kids has felt especially intense lately. My one-year-old is walking now. Fast. Directly toward electrical cords and tiny cliffs. My three-year-old is smart for her age (biased, but true) and has needs so different from her sister’s. Most of the time when I'm solo with them four days and one night a week, I feel like The Little Mermaid before she gets her legs: underwater and overwhelmed.
But the good news is our campaign to convince my mother-in-law to live in our guest house indefinitely is going strong. She’s staying at least a couple more weeks, let’s all hope for more, and I could cry (the joyful kind).
Today, both my mom (another saint I’d happily move in) and my mother-in-law are with my kids so I could attend an event and start writing this draft. That’s four extra hands! I’m getting a taste of what it would be like to have both sets of parents nearby, and it’s sweeter than the first sip of a strawberry milkshake.
Not only am I feeling taken care of by my literal moms, I’m also realizing how fortunate I am to have friends who make me feel seen both inside and outside of motherhood. My existing relationships are deepening, and new friendships are continuing to form. The village around us is growing, and this feels like a gift, too.
Aside from gratitude, I’ve been hungry to make something fun and silly and throwback-Bang Voyage again. If you’ve come with me to Peppatown, New England or Peanuts-ville, you know exactly what I mean. I want to play.
So in that spirit of whimsy and escapism, I’m returning to a little just-for-fun dress-up. This time, I’m serving up looks inspired by popular brunch items. Because, hello, it’s Mother’s Day. And as basic as it may be, who doesn’t love being celebrated over pancakes you didn’t have to make? Now pass the syrup, and let’s dig in.
Well, the emotional vibe of my diner—and it has a soundtrack. Grab the corner booth and stay awhile.
Served all day. Coffee refills available and encouraged.
She’s got a morning routine and actually sticks to it. Mostly.
Order: Green juice, scrambled eggs, sourdough toast
What she actually wanted for Mother’s Day: A three-month membership to that chic new Pilates studio down the street and a solo stroll through the Farmer’s Market
She orders the classic breakfast every single time, and somehow it only adds to her allure.
Order: Eggs (sunny side up), side of bacon, orange juice, extra coffee to-go
What she actually wanted for Mother’s Day: A solo drive up and down PCH and permission to lose herself in a flea market for an entire afternoon
She treats brunch like a communal experience, but one that always includes a short stack.
Order: Blueberry pancakes for the table, side of fruit and whipped cream
What she actually wanted for Mother’s Day: For everyone to stay in a good mood all day long without bribery
She arrived with a paperback in her bag and secretly hopes brunch gets canceled so she can stay home and read instead.
Order: Sourdough toast, side of butter and jam, English breakfast tea
What she actually wanted for Mother’s Day: Time to finish her new book before someone asks her for another snack
She’s every emotion dialed all the way up and running ten minutes late.
Order: Breakfast burrito, extra hot sauce, crispy hashbrowns
What she actually wanted for Mother’s Day: To wander through the mall with extra shopping money for three uninterrupted hours
She says she’s getting the salad but demolishes the fries she ordered for the table.
Order: Little gem salad, sparkling water, fries for the table
What she actually wanted for Mother’s Day: A movie matinee and permission to fully disappear afterward
She said fuck brunch, get me breakfast in bed instead.
Order: Coffee and pastries in bed
What she actually wanted for Mother’s Day: Nine hours of sleep in a hotel followed by a binge sesh of RHORI
I don’t know about you, but I’m stuffed. Happy Mother’s Day!!!!
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