Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Being a mom is the most challenging job I’ve ever had. But as most moms would agree, it’s also one of the most rewarding. Over the last eight years, my children taught me how to love more than I ever knew how. Here are a few of many reasons I love motherhood.

Affection – Jack and Tate make it a point to hug me every time I leave the house. Sometimes I’m in a rush, but those few seconds hugging them back reassures me that I must be doing something right.

Motivation – Like any mother, I only want what’s best for my children. As I try each day to be a good mom, they motivate me to be a good person. Helping others, learning from my mistakes, and daily strides to make a difference in my children’s lives are all things I strive for.

Bravery – Whether it’s starting at a new school, standing in the batter’s box, or reciting a line in a program, I love the bravery my boys demonstrate. As they get older and wiser, they’re learning to conquer more fears courageously.

Friendships – I have made many friends through parenting my children. As my boys make new friends, I often befriend their mothers, too. School and sports are a big part of our lives, and those friendships enrich our lives.

Wonder – I don’t want to wish away these precious years of my children’s life. However, I am always wondering what they’ll be like when they grow up. What they’ll look like, what their future holds, and hoping I will have taught them the skills to be loving, caring, kind and smart men.

Happy Mother’s Day!

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Cookies packed for lunch deemed unacceptable. An inspiring and historic three-day absence ruled unexcused. A floor-length sundress called inappropriate—for a five year old.

The stories I have seen recently in the media worry me. I understand school districts are tasked with challenging directives, with many stakeholders involved, and a lot riding on their success. But as a person who relishes individual freedoms and as a parent who feels parenting decisions should be private, I can’t help but be concerned about the school years ahead.

Haley is starting pre-kindergarten this fall. So far, I have had a lot of control over what she eats, wears, and does with her time. That’s all about to change. In the blink of an eye, we’ll be beholden to an outside authority. I have never been much of a rule follower—and my husband, not at all—so I think our family will have a tough time with these changes. I’m concerned we will not handle them well. I think there’s even a chance we’ll opt out—not due to quality, but due to the philosophy of the education system.

It remains to be seen what Haley’s school will be like. I want to be part of a school community; I never imagined myself as a homeschooler. What I’m hoping is that we will come to find that our school has teachers we love, administrators we trust, parents who participate, and enough common sense to go around.

My Dearest Charlotte:

This upcoming Tuesday morning I will be putting on my work clothes, packing up my briefcase, and heading out the door with your brother for school and work. You will stay behind in your grandmother’s capable hands while I return to work, and you will be spending your days laughing and cooing at her. I’ll return each evening for hugs, snuggles, bath-time, and bedtime. And each day we will begin the dance again—a carefully orchestrated attempt to get out the door and home from work all in time to maximize the few moments I’ll spend with you each day.

Later in the month, you’ll spend your days with Daddy, as well. Perhaps he’ll be the one to see you roll over for the first time, or to become more consistent with your adorable belly laughs. You’ll gobble up bottles and giggle away. And, if I am lucky, he’ll capture some videos to share.

You and your brother will never know anything other than life with two working parents. Come June, you will join him in daycare, and you’ll join us as we embark on the daily adventure to school. I’ll drop you off with your caring teachers and you’ll get to experience a whole new world of stimulation and experiences.

Our “normal” is and will remain a sort of organized chaos: daily checklists, bags and lunches to pack, cups to wash, and bottles to prepare. While sometimes it may seem as though your parents are moving in a constant blur to prepare for the next thing, please know that we love you more than you can possibly imagine. Each day that we are away from you, we are looking forward to the next time we can hold you or witness your latest trick. It isn’t easy, and it isn’t perfect, but so little ever is.

It is my hope that, some day, many years from now, should you have children and choose to make such a similar return to your own office or career, you won’t be wracked with the same guilt or doubt that I am facing. Perhaps society will have stopped its constant focus on women “having it all,” and you will be comfortable with your choice. But, God forbid, if the doubt hits you too, I’ll let you in on my little secret for getting through: consider the hurt in your heart mere confirmation you care deeply and worry to your core. Because that, quite simply, is what any mom does.

All my love,
Mommy