Before we had Lily, I thought parenting was more of an event--or maybe a series of events--but in my mind, things were black & white. Now, being able to look back at our time with Lily, I understand that parenting is actually a process--with lots of gray areas! And we still have so much to learn!
We all start out with an idea of what type of parent we are going to be, but the truth is that parenthood often changes us in unexpected (and wonderful) ways! Pre-Lily, I promised that I would not give my children sweets until they could ask for one by name (brand and flavor specific). I would try to avoid all messes possible. I would put them to bed promptly at 7:00 and I would never, ever, throw my one-year-old a birthday party (it's a total waste of money)!
Post-Lily...things have changed. I must admit, "My children" were an idea...no faces or personalities to love. "Lily" is a precious gem! Sugar & spice, and everything nice--she's enchanting! Even though she hasn't asked for sweets, she has tasted them...just because I wanted to share them with her. After three or four months I realized putting her to bed at 7:00 meant she was awake at 5:00 AM (hey--one luxury of staying at home is sleeping in!) so now she goes to bed around 9:00 and wakes up around 8:00. And of course, I started planning her one year party when she was six months old!
As for avoiding all messes possible? Life it too precious to not be fully enjoyed! Sometimes chaos is better than order! Besides, blackberries in the summer are a necessary childhood memory. Just ask my sister.
Haha thanks for the shout out sister. Blackberries in the summer are a definite must. However, clinging on to a blackberry bush because your sister has walked away from underneath you without any notice is something that I'd rather not repeat.
ReplyDelete