Oh, what I know now that I didn't now then.
It's amazing how things change with time and the number of kids you have. It's a combination of "been there done that" , maturity, and just plain exhaustion but every mommy I know has evolved as the years go by.
When Zeb was my only baby, I would spend my whole day watching him, delighting in him. I would lay on the couch with him napping on my chest. We would spend hours in this position. My world revolved around his needs and his schedule.
He was never dirty.
He was never hungry.
He bathed every day.
He never missed a nap.
He never wore any diaper other than Pampers.
He never watched TV.
He never went very long without a parent's full attention.
He was read to every day.
Fast forward to baby number two. Our beautiful princess, Langley. I adore having a daughter. As a middle child she has learned to take her lumps.
She was sometimes dirty.
She sometimes had to wait for food.
She sometimes bathed regularly.
She sometimes had to miss a nap, or nap in the car.
She sometimes wore Pampers, but mostly Luvs.
She watched whatever big brother watched on TV.
She sometimes had to wait for mommy or daddy.
She would sometimes get read to daily, sometimes not.
Fast forward even more to baby number three. Our wild man, Wit, or Bob. Whatever. Everyone needs a Wit, or two, in their lives.
He is always dirty or sticky.
He always has to wait for food, or he gets it himself.
I don't remember the last bath he had.
He misses more naps than he takes, life on the go.
He only wears generic diapers.
He would watch TV all day long if I let him (and some days that's just easier).
He has learned that he can get attention by being naughty and mischievous.
Reading time? Um, not unless Zeb or Langley do it with him (which is only when I remember to make them)
As I have been talking with my cousin it makes me realize that I don't want to go back in time. I would miss my crazy reality too much.
Life in my circus is pretty fun.
How has your parenting evolved?
5 comments:
You and me...same boat.
Love you, twin.
ditto.
and yes, everyone needs a "wit" or third.
evolving is good, especially in motherhood.
my first (the one i spent hours cuddling with) is the most affectionate with me.
my middle (the one who had to wait) is the most patient.
the third (the one where i let A LOT go) lives in grace.
i would go back...but just for a moment, i REALLY like who they are (most of the time) and look forward
to how we ALL will evolve.
oh how i laughed.
so. so. true.
loved this post janelle.
made me feel normal :)
They are all so cute! Love this post and each one of these kiddos, and especially their Mommy!
this is so true.
like sara said made me feel normal.
loved this!
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