A Day in the Life of Mamma: Moments of Happiness

It's interesting how some days are better than others. Like, in terms of my behavior and ability to handle things. And in terms of Brooke's behavior and ability to handle things. For example, one day last week, I think it was Friday, Brooke was just driving me CAH-RAZY! She was unusually defiant and the messes she was making were just more ... everything ... than usual: bigger; messier; more irritating. Now, on a better day, for me, I am sure I would've handled this better. But I was having a hard time dealing with it, and it resulted in me being unusually short with her, and, I hate to admit, sharp. She got one LONG time out in her crib (because she wouldn't stay in her room for her full time-out. At one point, she left her room to grab Dolly. That completely defeats the purpose of time-out, of course. I confiscated the doll and put her in her crib, where she proceeded to scream for several minutes before I went in to her).

Today was a different day. Brooke was clearly feeling better today. I'm sure her lip and mouth were bothering her, but she was playing about like normal. She made her usual messes (not out of the ordinary like the other day), and I was totally chill about it. I try to remind myself that they are just messes. They can be cleaned up. And although that means more work for me, it's nothing to get really upset about.

Anywho, we had a pretty good day. I was a bit of a pushover on the tv issue. We watched more than we should have and more than usual. I guess there are those days too. I've been trying to focus more on the "moments of motherhood". People are always saying to "enjoy every minute", because kids grow up too fast (true) and they'll be gone before we know it (also true). It always rubs me a little bit wrong when people say thing. Because I submit that it is IMPOSSIBLE to enjoy every minute. Like I wrote before, we all have those days. Those days when no matter what I do, how hard I try, or how many prayers I send heaven-ward, I'm a little too harsh and short with my kids. Yes, even the little one. And besides. The work of motherhood is time consuming, tedious, monotonous, and thankless 90% of the time. And there is no break.

So, no. I will not even try to enjoy every minute. It would just make me anxious. But I will enjoy almost every minute, and I will look for those fun, special moments that bring joy. I find a lot of them throughout the days. I love hearing Brooke sing, especially when I realize she is singing all the words perfectly of one of her favorite songs. She actually does know them! I love catching Camille's eyes and getting a quick little smile from her. I love sitting down to do puzzles, shape boxes or duplos with Brooke, and reading to Camille.

Here was yesterday's moment for me. Or I should say, one of the many: