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Kinda how I feel sometimes.[/caption]For those don't know, there is a HUGE difference between babies that just sit up and babies that can crawl and walk. They become little terrors. Like tornadoes. It gets messy y'all. I can't tell you how many times my husband comes home these days, sees tupperware, zip lock bags- or any other item that inhabits the bottom drawer in my kitchen- on the floor and says "you know, you should really give Cooper more boundaries." The other day I couldn't find a credit card and I told the hubs that I knew exactly where it was, in those couch pillows where my 12-month old had most certainly stuffed it. It was. See above "boundaries" comment.
If you're a mom you know there are so many opinions out there to measure yourself up against. How to discipline your baby or child, what to feed him, what not to feed him, attachment parenting, parent-directed parenting...all while keeping your house (and let's face it...yourself) together. I've only got one crawler and it can be, busy. God bless you folks with two or more.
"Life didn't come with a fool-proof manual."
In a perfect world my little guy would sit in the playroom and play with his toys rather than tear apart my kitchen and bathroom- but that's just not reality. I read an article about the importance of discipline and creating a "yes" house-environment. Meaning, create an environment where there's not opportunities that cause you to need to tell a kid no. No temptations. Hah! When I read this I wanted to ask them...do you have a baby? Do they like, move around? Impossible.
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Coop's favorite drawer in the kitchen. Oh, who am I kidding, they're all his favorite.[/caption]I've kind of beat myself up over the fact that I may be too lax of a mom or allow him to do things that he shouldn't. I don't teach him baby sign language- am I prohibiting his language development? I let him cry in the pack-in-play for 5-minutes am I creating an insecurity in my child? This is just parenting, forget the insecurities I have about the house! I constantly feel the need to explain myself or apologize, but you know what, I'm embracing it now. And I'm hear to tell you that I 100% do not have my shit together all the time. There. I said it.
What I do know is that my son knows that I adore him, he is a happy, curious, logical boy, and he knows the word no. So, if there are a few ziplock bags on the floor to clean up every now and then, I'm fine with it.
"Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff." -Richard Carlson
Now I need to go find my keys.
xox
Lauren
P.S. for all those on the quest to get more organized, take a peek a this article about the 7 habits of highly organized people. And, good luck.
http://www.operationorganization-mn.com/2011/09/7-habits-of-highly-organized-people.html
Lauren- this is so true. Just this weekend I was trying to do it all. Work and event on Saturday, clean my house, spend time with Anna, grocery shop, etc. My mom was visiting and on Sunday night at 9pm said (As I was vacuuming) "Don't you ever just sit down?" I looked at her and said "Not in 11 months." haha.
ReplyDeleteShe reminded me that it's OK to have laundry that isn't done, a few dishes in the sink, and Anna's toys on the floor.
You can't do it all, and it's OK.
I subscribe to the hot mess mama way too. You've got to pick your battles (zip locks aren't one of them!). This little poem is one of my favorites and helps to keep things in perspective...
ReplyDeleteThe cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
for children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.
that is such a sweet poem. amen sister!
ReplyDeleteWhy don't we listen to our mom's sooner?
ReplyDeleteHi Lauren, :)
ReplyDeleteI certainly hope my article did not stir up any feelings of 'not measuring up' in your sweet mama heart.
I completely agree that you've simply got to do the best you can in the season of life you are in. The '7 Habits' article was composed simply to act as a guide to those who feel completely over-whelmed, that really want to figure out some strategies and solutions toward finding more peace and calm in their life.
I actually coach and counsel many young mothers at speaking engagements just to set up realistic expectations esp. in a home with small children. This may mean only tackling ONE task per day. Focus on progress over perfection.
My personal philosophy is that I'm as organized as I need to be - meaning I have a reasonable expectation of what my home (with kids) will look like on a daily basis and strive to have a few systems in place that will help me to feel peaceful and prepared without feeling as though I need to spend every waking moment maintaining that.
Every family has their own set of tolerance levels (ours included) and as long as your kiddos are in a healthy and happy environment then you're doing great!
Best wishes on your continued journey through motherhood! :)
Blessings,
Heidi
Hi Heidi! Oh gosh no I wrote this long before I saw your article! Just an honest account from a new mama, with a little humor. I love your blog, am constantly pinning topics that you cover. I find it very helpful and shared it just for that reason on the blog. Cheers to you!
ReplyDeletealso, i bet tune this will give you a little lift and a smile:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe4SckesWLE
cheers!
glad to hear it, girl!
ReplyDelete~H