Simple right?! Doesn't seem to difficult. As I wrote I began to really hone in on my definition of motherhood. I was limited to 10 minutes to finish the question so I didn't get to answer it fully. Looking at my two children - one in the swing and one playing with toys, I want to revisit this question and really flush out what motherhood means to me. So here goes...
What type of mother am I?
For me its easier to start with what type of mother I am not and then work backwards. I don't believe that children are meant to be seen and not heard. Childhood happens only once and is short lived so I want my children to enjoy every moment. I support getting asked tons of questions, reading the book 'Brown Bear' 20 times and running full speed in the park. I am a mother who will manage to manage to muster that last bit of energy to play one last game of 'where's mommy? where's daddy?' right before bedtime. I'm definitely a clown! Now this is not to say that I don't believe in discipline or structure, I'm just not in a a rush to implement it - until necessary. For instance, a few months ago Khyri learned how to turn the living room light on and off. Literally we could be sitting there and it would flick on off on off on off 10 to 15 times in a row. I let him do it. It was annoying yes, but to me he was learning cause and effect. "If I push this switch up, the light comes on hmmm". Once he 'got it' 3 weeks later, I started telling him not to turn it on. To me, the 3 weeks of flickering was ok because he learned about on and off and now he knows that he doesn't need to do it all willy nilly.
I'm not the mom that buys matching outfits for me and the children, mainly because I'm not fashionable hahahah. I do however like wearing complementary colors just in case there is an opportunity for a photo! I'm not the mom that will dress my children in up in expensive clothes, because I know as children they are going to run, jump, spill, rip, and probably ruin their clothes - and they should at this age. Khyri and I go puddle jumping all the time. He hasn't found mud just yet - but when he does... Yahtzee! So I choose to shop a lot at consignment stores or buy things only on clearance. I'm a supporter of Use-Send-Sell. We use the clothes, then either send them to someone else who can use them or sell them at consignment sales.
I tend to listen to the pediatrician and adhere to recommendations from the American Association of Pediatricians. After all, these people are professionals! I do however, recognize that motherly instinct is real and often times can be a loud indicator of something being wrong. I believe in vaccinations and some old school homegrown remedies. I love breastfeeding! I keep my children rear facing in the car seat until at least 14 months even though the law is 1 year and 20lbs. The best baby invention ever is my baby sling - shout out to mayawrap.com. I believe in soft soled shoes for first steps and no solid foods until 6 months (its hard making sure you provide each food group - boob milk is so much easier for me).
Of course all of this is how I feel today. Who knows how my parenting style or preferences are going to change over time. I guess the key is to be patient and flexible. All Keith and I can do is parent to the best of our abilities - hopefully it'll all work out :-)
Here's some pictures of Keith and I in parent mode:
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| A rested baby is a happy baby |
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| The word for today - Multitasking! |
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| Really Khyri?!? You're just gonna chill and read a book while getting your diaper changed? Must be nice! |
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| Bath time for Kielle |
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| Khyri leaving with Daddy to go to school |
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| Good hygiene is a must! |
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| #1 Mosley parenting tip : You can never give too many hugs and kisses! |
2 comments:
This blog post was just what I needed to read today. As we prepare for Baby Brother's arrival, I've been wondering if there is anything I would change about the mom that I'm becoming. I've been made to feel especially guilty lately about my Use-Send-Sell philosophy. I personally don't like the clutter, and like to get rid of stuff once its no longer useful! It makes complete sense for us, and we will keep doing it. Thats the kind of mom I am!
LOVE this post and I stronly agree with alot of those ideas. One of the bigs ones is rear facing past 1 year..let's just say Timothy JUST got turned around 2 weeks ago at 16 months! ;)
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