I'll Never Do That...Until I Do

In all the years leading up to our little blessing of Nate, I dreamed of what being a mom would be. I had this vision of being the absolute best version of what I envisioned a mom to be. I'd do all those cute pinteresty things, I'd turn into a morning person, and I'd never ever do a whole slew of things. Well, now that I am actually living out my dream, I realized that I should never say never. While being a mom is one of the most rewarding and exciting times in my life, it's tough. I am finding myself doing many things I swore I'd never do, and at first I would get upset with myself over it. Now, I'm realizing we need to do what works for our families, what gets us through a rough day, and not judge anyone for their own parenting styles. So here's my list of things I said I'd never do, until I did:

1. Put my child in front of the TV... and more than once in a day! This one is number one on the list because it's probably the one I beat myself up about the most. You are always hearing people talk about keeping little ones away from that screen time. For us, it started out small, a little video here and there to get through a difficult moment or two. While it varies from day to day, Nate definitely watches more TV than I ever anticipated. He loves Elmo and alphabet shows, and you know what- I don't care. He has actually learned new words and ideas from these shows, knows his ABCs and can count to 11 (I'm sure some of these shows had something to do with it), and quite honestly I wouldn't have a single moment to myself or get a thing done around the house if it weren't for these calm, quiet moments.

Brother Francis is one of our favorite DVD series! We have been watching
a lot more Sesame Street, Caillou, and Super Why lately. I think it's time
to get back to some good ol' Brother Francis

2. On that same note... willingly putting Caillou on my TV. That show is just known to be loathed by almost every parent I know, but Nate LOVES it, and it buys me just enough time to get dinner on the table. So... done deal. I'm really feeling like mom of the year right about now...

3. Empty threats- Ha! I dare you to never give an empty threat. I try my best not to do this, but honestly sometimes they just come out and I realize I can't follow through. Sometimes it's even something I CAN follow through on, but it's going to be a bigger pain in the booty than what he is doing.

4. Spoil my child- Wait for years to have a child, and try NOT to buy him the overpriced Sea World picture frame and picture of him with his favorite celebrities, Elmo and Cookie Monster. I dare you ;) Did I mention, he asks to take the picture down from his dresser so he can point out all the characters on the frame and himself in the picture?

Seriously, that's a framer!

5. Give in just because of a tantrum: Now I try my best not to give into a tantrum. I'll usually bring him somewhere safe and place him on the floor to ride it out. But there are times when we are out and it's just not going to happen. I just can't stop and ride it out while I'm trying to buckle him into the carseat and there's a car with their blinker on waiting for my spot (even though there is a spot just a few feet further... seriously people!). Who am I kidding? There are times when I just give in, cause guess what, it's easier. He's quiet, and I can finish what I'm doing peacefully. 

6. Buy unnecessary baby items: I still remember when video monitors first came out. I thought it was ridiculous that people were buying these things. I tell you what, I can't imagine living without one now! And I'm sure I have at least 10 other unnecessary items that I have turned into a necessity.

7. Leave the house with my child looking like a mess. This one I am soooo guilty of lately. I feel like I am constantly finding oatmeal from that morning's breakfast on Nate's cheeks, around his mouth, and even on the back of his neck. The other day I was at the store with him, and as I'm checking out I realize how messy the poor child was... dried lunch smeared on his shirt and fresh goldfish spit dripping down his face. He was lookin' good!

At least we don't leave the house like this...

I'm sure there are many more things that I do on a daily basis that pre-momma me would cringe at, but that's all I've got for now. I leave you with some serious cuteness :)