Thursday, March 31, 2011

Ouch!

I know he didn't mean to hurt my feelings. The facebook status wasn't even meant for me to read specifically. Maybe it's because I am tired of defending my choices. Maybe it just caught me on on off moment. But I cried. Am I any less of a good mom because I have chosen to work outside of the house? I love my daughter. I love my job. Why do I feel like I am viewed as a good mom, but not as good as I could have been if I didn't work?

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Sweetness!

This daughter of mine has stolen my heart. Although this weekend hasn't all been cuddles and kisses (Have you ever been around a one year old who is teething?) it has made my heart fall even deeper in love with my baby girl. She is saying so many words and has a laugh that makes me giggle! She is so passionate about life. She feels deeply. She never does anything half-heartedly-- this includes getting up from naps. She is not one of those little sweethearts who wakes up cooing. She wakes up screaming like she has been wronged. How dare you not anticipate that she would be up soon and waiting by her side to pick her out of the crib? Today she did the usual routine, but I was feeling a little grumpy because I had just closed my eyes to take a little nap myself. I think I even curled my lip a little when I went to pick her up out of her crib. But then it happened. She put her arms around my neck nuzzled that wild head of hair into my face. I knew I could no longer be grumpy. I brought her over to my bed and we curled together in a ball and took a nap, just like we used to do when my little peanut was first born. And all was right with the world again.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Atmosphere

atmosphere- a surrounding or pervading mood, environment, or influence

I had no idea how much my attitude was responsible for the atmosphere in our house. Who knew I had that much power? Since starting my quest to "not sweat the small stuff" (I hate that phrase by the way. Ewwww.) I have been amazed at how smoothly things have been going.

Right now Ysmaille is feeding Amirah pumpkin cake, and although I don't think it's a great idea, I also don't think I'm going to make that big of a deal over it. Here's the thing. I don't want to hover over my husband and child watching their every move. Will they do things that don't measure up to my high code of perfectionism? Of course. Will they do those things to purposely hurt me or themselves. Of course not. So I am choosing to LET GO.

That is not to say that I am a doormat. Trust me. I make my opinions known, but I am realizing that I don't need to have an opinion about everything. Okay. I do have an opinion about everything, but I don't need to voice every opinion. That is the difference.

The atmosphere in our house is changing. Where there was once strife and negativity it is being replaced with peace and positive words. It has not always been easy. Some nights my tongue is almost bloody because I've had to bite it so many times. I know that's gross, but it gets the point across, right?

Here's to WOMAN POWER. You have the power to influence the pervading mood in your house.