This time, I am ignoring all the voices that in the past did not recognize the value of the early years of parenthood, or that cast doubt on my value to the world. I know that I am changing the world, by being the best mother and teacher to my children.
I could feel the blood drain from face as I read the message. I swear the scent of "Dettol" wafted past my nose. Someone in my daughter’s pre-k class has head lice. I tried to focus throughout the rest of my meeting but couldn’t shake the imaginary itching all over my body.
Nine months later, washing my hair, putting laundry in the dryer, drinking my coffee, I still find myself revisiting Noah’s NICU experience. Noah spent 59 days and nights in the NICU and they were hard. Mostly for him, but for us, too. The NICU shadow doesn’t let me forget.
Parenting is tough work, especially as kids get older. I always thought it would get easier, but I’m learning quickly that it doesn’t because there’s so much more to worry about, including bullying.
I think that’s what we all want for our children. We want them to be self-sufficient and believe in themselves as they go out into the world. But, then there’s that little selfish part that actually wants them to stay little forever because you enjoy being needed all the time,
Your head is pounding as if someone hit you over the head with a box of diapers. Doesn’t your baby know you need to go to work in a few hours and need to be semi-functional? All you want to do is curl up in your bed, bury your head in the covers and stay there for a good 12 hours…
Although I don’t rejoice in my friend’s pain, there was comfort in knowing that I’m not alone. As mothers of young children in this stage of life, we are pulled in so many different directions. Our children need us, our aging parents need us, were trying to keep our marriages and friendships intact.
Nowadays, children spend large portions of their days in car-seats, carriages, jump-aroos, bouncers and playpens. Some kids may have started off in the NICU and their bodies and sensory systems have been impacted in a way that affects their development and the way their body moves.
"There is perfection in imperfection. Inevitably, everything will not go as planned. But someday really soon, maybe even as soon as tomorrow, you will laugh about all the things that went wrong and they will make the day all the more memorable."
We’re so busy in our daily lives as mothers that sometimes we don’t recognize all the wonderful accomplishments and milestones we have made in a year. They get tucked away in our minds behind the loads of laundry, schedules, doctor visits, birthday parties and never ending cleaning up.
In some way it’s nice to believe that the season itself comes with this spirit of cheer and goodwill. But somewhere behind the scenes of all the merry, is a mom with exhausted eyes and weary hands. She smiles with satisfaction to see her family enjoying the fruits of her labor, months in the making!
“Today, we will be sharing our birth stories,” announced one of the facilitators with a smile. I almost choked. My chest tightened, as a dull sense of fear overwhelmed me. It’s hard to clarify exactly why, but in that very moment, the thought of sharing our birth story spelled dread.
As mothers, we inherently spend a lot of time taking care of others and making sure their wants and needs are addressed. We do it because we love them and want what is best for them and ultimately that gives us joy. However, to be strong for them, we also must be strong for ourselves.
This year has been a tough one for so many of us. We have faced monstrous natural disasters and so much turmoil and conflict in our world. But today I’m thankful for a little girl next to me on my bed, her tiny hand gripping my shirt gently, just to make sure I’m still here. I’m grateful for a little boy peacefully sleeping in his own bed, happy and strong in spite of all he has struggled through.
Imagine you are standing at a busy airport the day before Thanksgiving or perhaps Christmas or New Year’s. Take a minute and notice the agitation... then ask yourself, “why are we traveling?” .... in my opinion, the answer is very simple...but I'll explain my train of thought...
The holidays are coming and we all know what that means... lot's of food, very very delicious food and desserts! But healthy food can look just as good and taste just as yummy as healthy food! Try this divine and easy to make chocolate pudding recipe from Joni over at Food by Jonister!
It’s that dreaded time of year again. Snotty noses, fevers, body aches and sleepless nights abound. It’s flu season! Are you prepared? Dr. Gary Kramer and Dr. Rebecca Kimsey of Pediatric Specialists, Coral Gables are sharing their insights on flu prevention, when to visit the pediatrician and the difference between cold and flu!
Whoever thought "detox-friendly" food could look this good? Food blogger Joni Gomes of Food by Jonister, knows how to do healthy food right! Start your day with this delicious pumpkin spice oatmeal! A perfectly healthy breakfast solution for moms on the go!
Through it all, faith and prayers keep me going. Faith to know God is with me. And lots of prayer. From colds which cause uncommon havoc in a special needs child to allergies or even a runny nose. In the midst of all these trials, I bathe my son in prayer.
I love fall cooking! It's starting to cool down even here in Miami. Try this delicious, healthy and detox-friendly soup to warm you up on a cool week night! Recipe by Food Blogger, Joni Gomes of foodbyjonister.com
