Tuesday, December 28, 2010

A Responsibility Like This Requires the Obedience... of a Saint

Life as a mom is wonderful. But as every mom knows, being a mom comes with challenges. As a new mom I'm learning a lot everyday and I don't think moms ever stop learning. Every child is different and everyday with that child is different. One day they sleep well and eat well and are perfectly happy, the next they feel sick and wont stop crying.
Life as a mom is hard. And if I were to give advice to any new mom it would be: There are no right answers. Sure there are do's and dont's but no baby is the same. I guess really I'm writing this to make myself feel better. I had this image in my head of what I would be like as a mom and it didn't quite turn out the same.
Kyler isn't really on a schedule. I see lots of moms who know exactly when their child will eat, sleep, and poop. I consider it lucky if I guess the time Kyler will want to eat next. Maybe I could have done a better job when he was first born at getting him to eat and sleep when I wanted but it just didn't seem that important. I read a baby should eat for about ten min on one side, burp, and eat another ten min. Ha! Sometimes he eats 5 min, sometimes he eats 20. Just depends on his mood I guess. And sleeping..."a nap in the am, a nap in the pm and wake up every 4- 7 hours at night". Well considering I didn't get up until 11 when I was home with him what's considered an am nap? And then if it takes from 4-7 to finally get him to stay asleep (he's a light sleeper, like me. And I'm out and about a lot) how do I control when his bedtime should be?
I'm happy for and impressed by moms who do have their kids on a schedule but if MY life isn't on one how can I expect his to be? So am I not as good of mom because he isn't on a schedule? Sometimes I think 'yes' but I just have to remind myself I'm not. It's hard because I'm a perfectionist. And my life is crazy. No two days are the same. I want the best for Kyler but what I guess I need to convince myself is that the best for him doesn't mean he has a perfectly scheduled life and I do everything perfect. As long as I am doing my best and he is happy and healthy and knows I love him more than anything I'm doing great. And honestly I think more moms need to remind themselves of that. To every mom out there- just remember You have the greatest job on earth and no matter what your kids say or do just remember that as long as they know you love them things will be ok.

2 comments:

  1. I like your blog and I think you're a good mom. Different strokes for different folks, ya' know?

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  2. Hi there....you are too cute! Yes, your a great Mom. I don't think that you should compare yourself to others either. Each child is different. Plus, who says that a child with a schedule is good? Brayden doesn't have a schedule at all. I hope you know that your awesome and a wonderful mother.

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