This
is my 50th post on Mullet Mom! When I started this blog I wondered how long it
would take me to get to 50. Here it is, 3 years and two cities later. I made
it this far as a mom of an almost 4-year-old.
I look at my Sweetpea, she is my very intelligent, cuddly, artist,
sassy, fashion preschooler.
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| Mary Cassatt |
When
I started writing this blog she wasn't eating solid foods. I was navigating the
waters of new parenting, celebrating the moments when my arms were full of
baby, and being so happy to put that little, squishy, treasure down and get my
head back into my own creativity. I did not know where I would end up living or
how I could manage having a job and parenting. I was trying so hard to adapt
the person I knew I was with the role of being a parent. I am still figuring
this out but it’s not nearly as intense. The two selves have melded together
for the most part, the happy parent and the happy person I have always been.
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| Mary Cassatt |
Life brought me to this point and I know I will just continue growing from here, one blog post at a time. After 50 posts here are some thoughts on what I have learned, so far, about being a mom. I look forward to reviewing this on post 100!
-Being my daughter’s biggest fan. I got this from my parents.
Even when I was being bullied as a child I had a deep sense of my own
importance in this world. I owe that to
their thoughtful encouragement. I know they have my back and will always think
what I create is remarkable.
-Everything seems to be a phase. Just as I am getting used to
how she is, she will change. Some parts of the phase are difficult, like I
guess we are not done with tantrums yet. Others are pure pleasure; wow she can
unstrap her own seat belt and put on her own shoes!
-Constant flexibility is essential to equal Librium. I have to question my assumptions daily in my
interactions with her and find the balance of setting a boundary when I see
fit. I can forgive myself for being harsh or irritated when I do it and I can
also be straightforward in guiding her in the right direction.
-Deciding to love being a parent. All the joy, hardship and
connection I get from being with my little one is worth it. Knowing I will have this relationship for
years to come and it will morph and grow. There is someone in my life that
worships my tummy that hangs on my every word that wants to engage with me from
sun up to sun down and all through the night if she had it her way. I use the
tv show “The Gilmore Girls” as an example of how moms and daughters get to grow
together and cheer each other on. I hope I will get to be as close to my
daughter through out our lives.
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| Mary Cassatt |
-When I listen to her and follow her around I get to see life
through her eyes. What a gift this is! She has all these ideas about the world
and moments of whimsy I get to delight with her in. Listening to her tell me
what she thinks is one of my favorite things about parenting
-Sweetpea wants me to be myself and pursue my passions so I
am not distracted when I spend time with her. I can be in the pure “being”
present when I know some of my needs have been met and now I get to share
myself with her. Artist hours, self dates, naps and adult time make for a happy,
present, mom who is ready to play.
-It really does take a whole village. I delight so much in
seeing her connection with her Cece (G-mom) and Daddy on a daily basis. I get
to be her world and so do they in a big way. I want to have even more familial
and friendship connections that bring her into contact with lots of people that
can adore her mind and spirit as much as I do. She is starting to build that
community at preschool and with friends. I am so pleased to watch her circle of
connection grow. Knowing she gets to have lots of people.
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| Mary Cassatt |
This
is dedicated to all you amazing parents. I am in awe of all you manage to do.
This is also dedicated to all you lovers of parents. Some of my biggest fans
are just my dear friends and allies in this project of raising a young person
in our scary and wonderful world.
