Thursday, April 28, 2011

Food For Thought

I'm starting to worry that my OCD is getting in the way of Mackenzie's development.  
Yeah, I've relaxed a bit when it comes to order in the house. 
I no longer have a minor panic attack if the plantation shutters are in disarray after Mackenzie has moved them up and down.
I've given up on the notion that my house will remain spotless at all times. 
And although I still feel like I'm constantly tackling piles of laundry that never end, I don't feel the need to do five loads a day just so that the hamper remains empty. 

Friday, April 22, 2011

Exception To The Rule

There are certain things that mothers can get away with just simply because they're moms and -- as moms -- they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. 
How are you bending the rules? 

Friday, April 15, 2011

Mommy Lobotomy

If you're a mother, chances are you've at one point or another blamed your chronic lunacy on "mommy brain", the relentless mental condition that plagues all moms at one point or another. 
In the ten months since Mackenzie was born I've lost my mind a million different ways.
It started as a rather innocuous condition. 
I mean, anyone can forget a baby, right??? 
Isn't it like failing to set your alarm or pick up orange juice at the grocery store?
OK, maybe not... but still... New moms are sleep-deprived and panic-stricken.  A true recipe for disaster. 
During the first few months of Mackenzie's life I had minor anxiety attacks each time I got into the car, fearing that I'd forgotten the baby at home in her crib. 
Or that I'd left the car seat on the floor of the garage with Mackenzie flailing inside.
Other early "mommy brain" symptoms include: washing your hair with conditioner, wearing two different color socks, and brushing your teeth with acne cream instead of toothpaste.  
But "mommy brain" only gets worse over time. 


Monday, April 11, 2011

Life Lessons

There are some nights where I pour myself a glass of wine, put my feet up, and applaud myself for what I taught Mackenzie that day.  
But when all is said and done it's my daughter who's taught me a thing or two. 
Like....


* No matter how many times you fall down, get back up and try again. 
* Life is better barefoot. 
* You can forget all your troubles at the playground. 
* Likewise, splashing in the bath can relieve a lot of tension. 
* When you feel full, stop eating. (I know this will last only until Mackenzie is able to go to a ball game and down a hot dog, popcorn, cotton candy, and ice cream in a matter of minutes.) 
* The louder you cry the more attention you get. (Sad, but true.)
* Never be afraid to try something new. 
* Imagination is greater than knowledge. 
* Having a) gas in public b) chubby thighs or c) boogers in your hair is only charming if you're still in diapers.  
* No one will ever love you quite like your parents do.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Ten for Ten

In honor of Mackenzie's 10 month birthday I thought I'd toast myself for reaching the following mommy milestones... 

* This weekend I finally allowed Doug to walk on our white carpet wearing shoes, only because it was that important to grab the Boogie Wipes from the nursery, stat!
As Doug observed, this was a major turning point for me.