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.