It's 1:20AM and I can't sleep, so I thought I should read new entries on my friends' blogs to see what they're up to and maybe to get the secret to their happiness. Lately, I have been making a point of living life to its fullest, to make every moment memorable, but it's so easy to get sucked in the routine. Of course, it's important to be aware of obligations and responsibilities, but we tend to be "too serious" and forget to laugh often. Consequently, we become oversensitive and uptight. Well, no more! I don't want to be an OCD mom who's more worried about the cleanliness of the house than about her kids' having a good time or to take things too seriously.
For example, I've noticed that we expect Eve to grow up faster than nature intended her to: she's not eve 2 yet, and I am teaching her to pick up her toys, put her books away, put her shoes in the closet, and put trash in the bin. Well, those are fine skills to learn, you'll say, but I realized that they need to be balanced out with plenty of fun and play time. I guess Levi and I being students and all, we are in a teacher/student mindset when it comes to raising Eve, when I really want to be a friend an playmate, to guide Eve through her exploration of the world.
I have to remind Levi that Heavenly Father put us in charge of raising His little princess when he takes an authoritarian tone and commands Eve around: "Eat your food! No more movies! Go to bed! Change your diaper (just kidding! I made that last one up :) )!"
What have I learned from my 2-year-experience as a mother?
1) Time is precious...Every day with Eve is an opportunity to be better, to build a strong relationship with her that will make her feel loved, safe, and confident.
2) Never aim for perfection, just watch for the cues of happiness: if you often hear your child laugh, you're doing great, moms!
3) Eve is the greatest miracle of my life...not only for how amazing she is, but because she helps me better myself, she helps me realize my strengths and my weaknesses;
4) Motherhood enables me to see the true meaning of life on Earth...Having an (happy)eternal family.
2 comments:
Great post, Anabelle. I'm working on noting being OCD as well. I get so frustrated when Samuel splatters food all over the floor, but that's what babies do, right? I'm trying to be more patient and just keep the sponge nearby. ;0)
I just love how you are always trying to find ways to be better and improve in your life. You are a great example!
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