This is My Circus, and These are My Monkeys

As a first time mom, I wanted to do everything PERFECT. I researched EVERYTHING.

My child, never ate anything that wasn't organic. I steamed his carrots, and froze them into cute little trays. I never let him eat anything that had fallen on the floor. I took weekly pictures, documented every milestone, and shared way too many pictures. I was so proud I created this little perfect human! 

Now, don't get me wrong. I love my second child to the moon and back! She is the sweetest, chubbiest, cutest little cherub! Things are different though...

I thought of this specifically last week. My son dropped a bunch of "puffs" (those little air filled snacks that don't really have any nutritional benefit) on the floor. My little lady scooted right over and began eating them all up. I just laughed and watched her. Kid one... I would have picked them all up and thrown them away. Kid two... eat away sweetheart! This is our house right...

I still feed her mostly organic food, but I buy a lot of it... I do get pictures of her monthly milestones. We haven't had a professional picture in awhile though... 

There are benefits though to this that comes with more than one child. I am much more comfortable nursing her in public. I was much more self conscious with my first. I covered during my 6 week postpartum exam... I mean COME ON they were there when I had him!? 

The biggest thing I have realized is I have relaxed as a mother. I am starting to understand what is really important. Maybe I am just losing time to care so much about the little things.

Don't get me wrong, it is not all sprinkles and rainbows around here. Like today... nap time was torture. I can rarely get the toddler down anymore. I took away his new tent and "threw it away." Not my proudest moment. Not getting sleep and trying to get my children to sleep is in my opinion the hardest part of parenting! 

Moral of the story: We are all just doing our best. We all mother differently and that is what is beautiful! I have learned so much from my experienced mother friends and hope I can pass along some tiny pearls of wisdom to those mothers in need.

Some days I feel like I have it all together, then the next day my son cracks raw eggs, colors on the walls, and takes off his diaper during his nap... Trust me, when I see you on the struggle bus I will be there to help! please do the same for me. This IS my circus and these ARE my monkeys! ​

Paige Goldade is a Birth Boot Camp Certified Childbirth Educator teaching in Sioux Falls, SD. If you are looking for a class in your area visit www.birthbootcamp.com. If you are in Paige's area, click here.