Supermom

Every mom feels this pressure. I am no exception. While I was in California, I was talking with my mom about all of the new feelings, worries, and hopes I have as a new mom. Even though Max is only 3 months old, I have already felt that I should have read more parenting books, researched more about attachment parenting vs. sleep training, pacifiers vs. no pacifiers, and million and one other things before he was born. There are times where I truly do wish he came with an instruction manual. There are days where I feel like I've accomplished nothing and am still in my pajamas when Jeff comes home. I have received a lot of good advice along the way, which I am forever grateful for.

My mom said, "For you, I think that the most important thing will be to not worry about perfection." Yep. As a type A personality, I know that I often have unrealistic expectations that often lead to feelings of guilt and unhappiness.

My dear friend, Brittany, was so wise when she told me that as a new mom she had to "redefine what it meant to 'accomplish' things throughout the day." She said that sometimes she had to remember that maybe her house wasn't spotless, but she had played with her little boy when he needed her.

Like the above advice, this dragon mom's story caused me to really reflect on my role as a mother and what my time and energy should be spent on.

I am so grateful that my sweet little Max is healthy and I certainly hope that my time on this Earth ends before his does. I know that there will be so many decisions ahead of us as we strive to do what we feel is best for our little son. However, stories of other people's heartache and struggle remind me to hold him a little closer today, make him smile just a couple more times, and spend just a few more minutes on my knees in prayer. Today I am setting those "mom" worries aside and remembering my blessings instead.

And hopefully, with this small start, I will be better able to "have the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."