I’m pretty sure that everyday I battle with questioning myself and if what I’m doing for my girls is right or enough or healthy, etc. I’ve been told that this is actually a sign of a good mother. After having abc, I had some trouble adjusting to being a mom of two. There were lots of tears, lots of questions, lots of my husband reassuring me that I’m doing a great job.
But then one day it hit me: I’m a REALLY good mom. Like an amazing one.
It was the day of abc’s 3 month check-up. I had just gone back to work but I had both the girls home with me after the appointment. While abc napped, mini watched her and I snuck in a deadly quick stair workout. Abc was in and out of a nap in her rocker but she was visibly uncomfortable. I wanted to pick her up and snuggle her but I had already started on unbraiding mini’s hair so that we could re-do it. We were sitting on the floor, mini in between my legs and abc in her rocker by my feet. I sat there and rocked her back to sleep with my foot while mini fell asleep on my legs with me unbraiding her hair. That’s when it clicked for me. I’m a great mom.
The more important realization for me was that I don’t have to be perfect in order to be great. How I am right now is more than enough for my kids. I don’t put their needs before mine as I think that’s a disaster waiting to happen but I take care of them to the best of my ability. They are happy, well-fed, developmentally ahead of their curves, and well-adjusted. Of course I can’t take credit for ALL of that but I can take credit for most of it as I’m the primary influencer in their lives.
Being a good mother isn’t about perfection. It isn’t about spending all day on Pinterest projects or keeping up with the proverbial Jones’ for the looks of things. Being a good mother is doing what needs to be done with the warmth of a mother’s love. Did it hurt to sit on the floor and rock on baby while trying to do another sleepy baby’s hair? Absolutely. My hips and abs were (are) still healing but in that moment, I was what my girls’ needed.
I think one of my biggest fears in being a mom (outside of me losing them) is not being able to be what they need. That moment sitting on the floor gave me the confirmation that I needed that I am and can be whatever they need in whatever moment they need me. Will it be easy? Not all the time but that doesn’t mean that I can’t suck up the moments of discomfort to care for my girls. And this makes me feel like a really amazing mother.
How secure are you with your role as a parent? What “a-Ha” moments have you had to affirm that you’re an awesome parent?
**Housekeeping!!! Don’t forget to enter the Microsoft Surface 3 Giveaway!**
***If you’re interested in the group accountability for the weight-loss, don’t forget to send me your pictures to mrsabc@aaronicabcole.com to be posted on Friday!***
