I could probably write about a hundred posts about lessons I have learned since my son was born over 9 months ago, but one has stuck out in my mind lately: I’ve learned to say “No” without guilt. Well, without much guilt anyway.
Being a well-raised Southern girl, my first inclination whenever I get an invitation, or a request to do something, is to say yes. I get it from my mother. I am a people-pleaser and hate feeling like I have let anyone down. It drives me crazy. For my whole adult life, my inclination has been to always agree to as much as possible.
Generally, I think this is a good policy. I miss out on less and...
It starts at the very beginning. Are they eating enough? Are they in pain? Why are they crying? Are they "normal"? Will this be harmful to them? The endless questions about what is best for our children. We worry about everyone who gives our children a sideways glance, comes a bit too close, feels just a bit "wrong". We worry about them if they don't gain enough weight, if they don't reach a milestone, if they disappear for 2 seconds and we can't find them. Life is scary. The world is scary. It feels as if there is danger lurking at every turn (and in reality there might be...) But we, as mothers, can do things to prepare. We...
Our grocery trips, or any trip to the store for that matter, are completely toy free. No toys, almost ever.
Let me start by saying that I never set out to be the mom that didn't buy toys. I didn't make a vow to myself pre-motherhood. I just simply didn't see a need. I find that I raise my kids based on my own childhood. I think about the times that stood out most to me, the things that truly left an impact. When I'm staring off into space thinking about those days, there aren't many toys involved in my thoughts, just lots and lots of happy times. Lots of laughter, LOTS of time spent together.
Our kids have toys and we do actually buy toys for them...
I'm a researcher and planner by nature. I genuinely enjoy it! I like being prepared and informed and knowing as much as I can before something comes my way. So of course when I found I was pregnant, it was ON. I consumed every article and blog post I could get my hands on like a crazy person. "How to Survive Your First Trimester" turned into "Breastfeeding Basics" and then to "What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag" and "What You Need to Know About Labor & Delivery". I was ready and waiting for labor. I knew that there were things I couldn't prepare for, but I honestly felt like there wasn't much that was going to be able...
There are so many things I wish I had known about motherhood before I had children, but I guess it's just true that you can never fully grasp it all until you are there. If there was one thing I wasn't prepared for, it was everything my kids would teach me about myself. Not just how many hours I can go without sleep, how "hangry" I can get, and the absolute longest I can go while listening to a screeching toddler from the confines of a carseat before wanting to pull all of my hair out, but who I am. Like, who I really really am on my deepest level.
It started more when my daughter was born, seeing it all...
Around Baton Rouge
The Best Coffee in BR is Actually in Ascension
The Best Coffee in BR is Actually in Ascension
Like a lot of moms I'm often in need of caffeine on a regular basis and...
