We're All Growing UP

On their last birthdays, my children turned 9 and 6. I've learned a lot along the way. Children have a great way of showing the adults in their lives, both their strengths and weaknesses. A big thing I've learned over the past 9 years, is that these people came to me as themselves. Completely. Nothing that I do or don't do can alter the path that they are on. My job as mom, is to help them be the best versions of themselves...teach them manners and belief in themselves and others. I think of it as clearing the path so that they can go forward as their true selves. 

I want Henry to always keep his innocent love and enthusiastic spirit. 

I want Harper's life to always be filled with imagination and music. 

Other things that I have learned as mom:

Kids will rarely like the same foods. There is rarely logic to their choices. I just keep offering up healthy choices and hoping they will surprise me. Chef Dad didn't touch a salad until age 20. There's hope.

I am not as patient as I wish. But I have learned to apologize for it. Every morning is a new morning. And even if I threaten that we will be late to school, these kids don't believe me. We've never been late.  

They will get their shoes on. They will find their library book. We will get to school on time. Chill. 

This is my family. These are our values. There have been times as a mom that I have had to stand up for what I hold to be true for my family. It's not always easy, but it is always satisfying. I like showing the kids that we stand together and that it's ok to go against the majority if you need to. Not everyone believes the same thing. It's ok.  It's what makes life interesting. 

Only buy white socks. 

Never read or sing or do anything to your children that you do not want to read or sing or do a thousand more times. I once sang Piano Man to Harper as lullaby. 8 months later, we are still singing it. Every night.  I guess "it's better than drinking alone."

Children are funny. I mean hilarious. Watch them. Listen to them. Laugh with them. This is a hard job. Finding the humor makes it worth it.