We've been parents almost a whole month now, and I have come to realize that everyday is truly an adventure. I have no idea what is going to happen. I just keep thanking the Lord for patience and allowing us to be Vanessa's forever family. Going into this, I wasn't sure what it would be like to suddenly become the mother of a five year old. So far it has been confusing,frustrating, but joyful (and sometimes I feel those emotions simultaneously!)
One particular day last week, we had some bumps in the road mixed with time outs and mini lectures about thankfulness, obedience, and proper footwear (no you cannot chase the dog in Mommy's high heels).
We were driving to church and I was just about at my limit with the princess attitude. We were barely going to make it to the service on time when an elderly driver pulled out infront of us. Aaron (who was driving the mustang like we were in the Indy 500) muttered, "Well that just figures." Vanessa shook her head and said, "But Daddy, it's not his fault he's old."
In that moment Aaron and I completely lost it. All of the frustration washed away and we just laughed. It helped me understand that sometimes we have to stop and take the time to find joy in even the smallest of things.
Proverbs 15:13 - "A happy heart makes the face cheerful
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Rookie Mom
It has been 7 days since the arrival of our sweet, not so little bundle of joy (and energy...). If I thought that mothering "just comes naturally" I certainly was wrong. I have to admit that I am completely clueless. Reality comes hard and fast when you are staring down a five year old shoe diva who decides she is going to wear mama's high heels to the YMCA.
Oh the shoes....the thorn in my flesh, but also my secret weapon. My daughter has 16 pairs of shoes. There were several things she did not have when she moved in, but she has a pair of shoes for every occasion. The battle of footwear has led to many a vigil at the time out chair. For some reason, the idea that you can't swim in princess shoes, run in high heels, or walk the dog in snow boots doesn't stick. It wasn't until I realized that I could use the shoes to my advantage...they could be taken...all except for 1 pair of my choosing and believe me, I have very frumpy taste in shoes. Although it just about did me in to see the big brown eyes fill with tears as I removed all but the lonely pair of unattractive shoes. Now I know what my mom meant when she said, "It hurts me more than it hurts you." I believe it now.
So far in one week of rookie motherhood I have learned: that 5 year olds have no sense of logical reasoning, naptime is more for parents than kids, everything you say can and will be used against you, and that despite all of the mistakes, arguments, and timeouts, the simple things in life are alot more fun,laughter is so much sweeter, and hugs are the best part of the day.
Oh the shoes....the thorn in my flesh, but also my secret weapon. My daughter has 16 pairs of shoes. There were several things she did not have when she moved in, but she has a pair of shoes for every occasion. The battle of footwear has led to many a vigil at the time out chair. For some reason, the idea that you can't swim in princess shoes, run in high heels, or walk the dog in snow boots doesn't stick. It wasn't until I realized that I could use the shoes to my advantage...they could be taken...all except for 1 pair of my choosing and believe me, I have very frumpy taste in shoes. Although it just about did me in to see the big brown eyes fill with tears as I removed all but the lonely pair of unattractive shoes. Now I know what my mom meant when she said, "It hurts me more than it hurts you." I believe it now.
So far in one week of rookie motherhood I have learned: that 5 year olds have no sense of logical reasoning, naptime is more for parents than kids, everything you say can and will be used against you, and that despite all of the mistakes, arguments, and timeouts, the simple things in life are alot more fun,laughter is so much sweeter, and hugs are the best part of the day.
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