Imperfectly Perfect

There is a heart rhythm called “irregularly regular” which spurred "ye old noggin" … it makes me think of our family.  We are what I consider to be imperfectly perfect.  Meaning, some days, as a mommy, I am not my most patient self.  Some days, my home isn’t as clean as I would like it.  In fact, as I was feeding the kids tonight, I was reflecting on the fact that the floor where the kids eat looks like an impressionist artist set up shop… there is literally a ball of fir rolling across the floor that is as large as the cat or dog… but I do my darndest to juggle being a mommy, being a wife, a business owner, and ensuring, somewhere in the mix, there is a little “me time” … (did I put on deodorant today?).  I think this is true for all of us moms, right? Right?!?!?! 

I remember when Haakon was born how I thought to myself… my God! What did I do with my time before he was born?  Then, in between the debilitating bouts of panic after Innes was born, thinking the same thing.  It was at this point when I started doing “projects” with Haakon.   I stressed about whether he was enthralled by the activity or not.  I remember thinking, “This is supposed to be fun, dang it!  Have fun!!” But that’s the operative “supposed to be”.  So don’t stress.  My Grandpa Ask used to say, “stupid people don’t learn from their mistakes.  Smart people learn from their mistakes, but truly wise people learn from others’ mistakes.” My point in this is simply, if it doesn’t work for your kids, don’t stress.

I bring this up, fairly early in the process because it happened today.  I was so excited about putting “pumpkin seed tambourines” together, but Haakon was not so much into it.  As I introduce activity to the kids, I realize more than ever, just how different the kids are.  If/when you are lucky enough to have more than one child, you will come to understand two things (at least).  First, you think, same genes, there must be a little that is the same in them.  Not so.  Completely different.  And two, after the first - That’s when “the stuff” really hits the fan. As an aside, God bless you mommies of multiples.  You are amazing!  I can only imagine (and by “imagine” I mean have dry heaves with worry) about having four or five, or 10!!!  Anyway, I digress…

I request just a few things of my fellow mommies in arms:  That we remind one another whenever necessary, to take time for us. That we remind one another that everyday is precious and remarkable.  That we remind one another that we are great, strong, smart, and caring women!  And if I dare, that we remind one another to put away the cell phones, dear mommies and daddies.  Our babies are babies for such a short time.  And finally, that we remind one another that it’s okay to be imperfectly perfect.  I’m sure there were more requests, but I think those shall suffice for now.  Ah, one last one, that we remind one another that asking ourselves if we are doing this correctly, is probably a good indicator that we are!