Definition: a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others.
Uh Oh. I might be in trouble.
As a mother, I recognize the intense need for me to be on my best behavior at all times...especially when the tiny person is nearby. I have also learned that she can...and will...copy things that I do. "monkey see, monkey do", right?
Well, sometimes you just have to say screw the rules. My day was yesterday.
There comes a time when ice cream is required for lunch and cookie dough is required for dinner. The day comes that internet time, facebook, and playing with the new Kindle is way more appealing than squeaky toys and bouncy balls.
Let me start off by saying...God bless the stay-at-home moms! That role is NOT something I am cut out for. I have realized this and moved on from the guilt that came along with it. Why is it that women are so ashamed about wanting/needing time away from their kids? I personally don't know one single woman who is 100% happy being at home with her kids all day, every day. Disclaimer: this does not include the uber-rich ladies who can "lunch" and shop while their kids are at Mother's Day out. I'm pretty sure we could all get used to that!
I'm talking about the normal gals out there whose outings include Wal-mart and checking the mail. The ladies who are praying for nap time to come soon so they can shower. The ones who realize that it's 2 p.m. and they haven't eaten anything and are surviving on the 3 cups of coffee from that morning.
Am I alone, here? I think not.
So, since it's November and we are all listing the things we are thankful for...here's mine:
1. My husband. I can always count on him to notice when I need a break. He stays current on all his daddy skills so I can feel good about being away for an extended period of time...hours, not days, people!
2. My kid. She's the best diet a woman could ask for. She's got a built in sensor that immediately goes off when I sit down to eat. I bet she cuts my calorie intake in half...not to mention the fact that I never stop moving.
3. My job. It saves my sanity. I get to help families and talk to other people whose vocabulary consists of more than "cup" and "dog" and "ball".
So, those are the top 3. I have more, but in an effort to keep this at a readable level we'll stop there.
I will end with this...I love being a mom. I know it's a blessing and I know that not everyone gets a chance to take it on. My daughter means everything to me and I hope to expand the family even more one day. However, love for your child doesn't change the fact that poopy diapers and Nick Jr. get old. Love doesn't change the need for a mother to just be a woman every now and then. And it certainly doesn't change my desire to eat ice cream for lunch in front of my kid. She will be fine...she's a girl and will understand...in, oh let's say...31 years.
Sincerely,
The Honest Mom
