timeless

In an effort to turn my kids into art junkies, I'm always drawn to the children's books featuring art by the masters. The other day at the library, I picked up just such a book to read with my bitty boy: Baby Loves, featuring the art of Mary Cassatt. As I read these simple words with my baby, and looked at the beautiful works of art, I was touched to realize that, although the mothers in these paintings lived 100 years ago, their lives were not so different than mine. They spent their days caring for their children; they joyed in the cuddles of their little ones; they fed and bathed and taught (albeit in hoop skirts and puff sleeves), just like I do.

I feel so honored to be a part of this ageless sisterhood of mothers. And, just like this mommy, I love love love those after bath squeezes!

Maternal Caress
Drypoint and aquatint printed in color
14 3/8 x 10 9/16 in., 1891
Metropolitan Museum of Art

P.S. It is especially good to remember this honor when your darling, precious little one wakes you up (for reals and ready to play) at 4:30 in the AM. Just in case that ever happens at your house or anything.