Hubby is going through all of our Pumpkin photos, making sure that everything in those directories is suitable for the "complete Pumpkin" DVD he is going to burn for his parents (yes, Mom and Dad, you can have one, too, if you want). It is amazing to see the early photos- how small and helpless she looked, how little hair she had, etc.
It has been an interesting 15 months! All three of us have learned so much. So much is different now, compared to those early days. But the one constant is (unfortunately) my feeling that I don't really know what I'm doing, and that I must be failing Pumpkin in some important way. She doesn't sleep through the night! She won't eat her veggies (or her fruit, or most meats)!
Hubby, always more sensible than me about these things, points out that her eating and sleeping habits were probably mostly predetermined (I'm told that they are remarkably similar to my eating and sleeping habits at her age). Besides, she is universally admired as a happy, intelligent, loving toddler (who can throw an excellent tantrum) and that even if her diet is a bit more limited than we'd like, and her sleep a little more interrupted than we'd like, surely the "happy, intelligent, and loving" part is more important.
I know he's right. But I wonder if I'll ever feel like I've got a handle on this Mommy stuff? Or at least stop minding that I don't have a handle on it?
Isn't is amazing how someone so tiny and young can make us feel like a failure. Just remember that as long as she is happy, healthy, and loved (all 3 of which she is), you're doing a great job!
ReplyDeleteThis applies to the last 2 posts.
ReplyDeleteI suppose there are mothers who perfectly orchestrate their families' lives. But, I am just along for the ride. If I get 8 or 9 hours of sleep a night, I feel successful. Never mind the to do list...