Picking your battles...

Dear little one,

Today you wanted to sit IN your new water table. You begged me to let you get up there and (almost) threw a fit before I lifted you into the too small, not for sitting in play area. 

You see, it sits on legs made of plastic that aren't too steady. I tried to reason with you, explain that it wasn't a pool, but instead a table. I tried to explain that you were still in your clothes, not a bathing suit. I tried to distract with other toys and ideas. Nothing worked. You were determined to sit up there. 

As I looked at you, I quickly realized this wasn't a battle worth fighting and set you in the cramped space. You poured water, giggled as it fell through the center hole, and proceeded to ask me to take you out and put you back in at least 15 times. And you kept saying "see Mama, look!"

And you loved every second. 

And my heart swelled with joy. 

You see, at some point I'm sure we'll have battles to fight - about too-short-shorts and boyfriends, about music that's too loud and how you're always on your phone. I'm sure we'll argue about when it's time for makeup and shaving your legs, about curfews and which friends' houses you can stay at. 

And so instead of creating an opportunity for a fit --over something completely silly since I was standing right beside you the whole time-- I created an opportunity to let you play. 

(Disclaimer: we did discuss and will continue to how she can't get up there without my help) 

I'm learning that a lot lately. Especially over minor things.

 Want the paci that's been on the ground? Go ahead. 

Want to climb up your slide backwards? Sure! 

Want to stand on the back of the shopping cart and hold on for 5 seconds before you get tired and want down? Absolutely! 

Want to brush the whole house with your toothbrush EXCEPT your mouth? Ok!

Want to paint baby's toenails? Let's do it!

Of course, if there's something that might hurt you or cause you long term harm in some way...then I can't let you do it. Because that's part of my job here on earth with you...to protect you, to guide you towards the right. For those things, we'll just have to endure the throw-yourself-on-the-floor-and-kick-and-cry fits. And I'm ok with that. Because maybe you'll grow out of those before you're fifteen... 

BUT if given the opportunity to create joy and happiness, the opportunity to play...you can bet Mama is going to let it happen!

I love you baby girl! I'm so thankful I'm yours! Can't wait to play tomorrow :)

Love, Mama

 

Kleenex and selfies

Today I let you pull all the Kleenex out of the box and "blow" your nose with every-single-one. And then we took selfies. Of course you don't know what those are yet. And by the time you do, the trend will be probably be something new. 

As you started to pull the Kleenex out one by one, I almost begged you to stop. I almost moved them to a higher shelf, almost gave you a spankin' while telling you "no" and all the reasons why you should leave them alone. 

[Almost.]  

Instead, I let you giggle as you pulled out each one. I let you throw them at me and we had a small Kleenex fight. 

[until you threw a fit that they were all over you...then it was over]. :)

Thank you for reminding me today to enjoy the small things. I can't promise that I'll always let you pull out all the Kleenex or make crazy messes, but I do promise to try my best to have as much fun as possible when we can.  

Love,

Mama

bedtime prayers

Over the past several years this blog has evolved (and failed to thrive) from one phase of life to another. I've decided to [attempt] to post different moments, mess-ups, letters, prayers, and such as I experience life as a 1st time mom. Below you'll find my first post ...


Dear little one,

Tonight I put you to bed. That's usually reserved for your daddy but he was at choir practice so I took on the bedtime routine. In fact, he's been the bed-time-guy since you were about 6 months old. Let's face it, he's just better at it than me. He must have a secret he's keeping from me because I cannot get you to sleep as fast as he can...

We tried several different methods tonight, but let's face it - you're just not a good sleeper so we struggle a lot with bedtime/sleeping. Surely you'll grow out of that one day. I promise to try to remember this when you're a teenager and sleeping until noon.

I started out in bed beside you, trying hard not to move or disturb you, but a toddler bed just isn't made for co-anything. We laughed, and sang, and prayed. We prayed for our entire family, and Mickey Mouse  (of course), and all your school friends. Then we laughed some more. That's one thing I'm so thankful for - your laughter and giggle. I said "I love you" and "goodnight" and you repeated in a sweet whisper "lub you too" --- and we snuggled in to go to sleep.

When you finally settled, I moved to the recliner in your room. At first I just rocked and stared at the clock - hoping desperately for you to fall asleep so I could sneak out and have some time to myself. But as the moments ticked away, I started to pray...

I prayed first for you to come to know the Lord. I prayed that your daddy and I would be great examples and lead you in the path toward His grace. I prayed for boldness with your faith, and that we would always encourage that boldness. I asked for the Lord to continue to mold us to be the parents YOU need, to be exactly who God wants us to be for Him and for you. We want to do everything we can to point you to Jesus.

I continued to pray...asking the Lord to allow you to always be as spunky and fun as you are now. You are such a fun little girl, and have been since you were born. You've been such an "easy" baby. We have enjoyed every moment with you (even the toddler tantrums). I prayed that He would allow your personality to develop in a way that only He can and that He would use your sweet heart, laughter, and easy going personality (minus the toddler tantrums of course) to be used for His glory. I also threw in a few words to help us with the whole sharing with others thing. Surely you'll grow out of that, too. ;)

.....And then, in the middle of my prayer, I saw you stir. I held my breath, hoping you'd turn over and go back to sleep. Instead, you sat up in bed, looked at me, and said my name. I reminded you that I was still here. You scooted to the edge of your bed, grabbed your blanket and toddled toward me -  You said "Mama rock" and climbed into my lap... For the first time in several weeks, I rocked you to sleep. (we've been weaning you from being rocked)

And as you fell asleep, I thanked the Lord for allowing you to be here, for entrusting us with your life and your journey. I asked that He would continue to make you an amazing little girl, who loves to laugh. And that I would always join in laughter moments with you.

I placed you in your bed, covered you up with your blanket, and tip-toed out of the room. But even as I sit here, I am so thankful for the sweet moments we were able to share tonight. And I hope that even when you're grown and way too big...you'll still be the little girl who wants to be close to her mama, who wants to climb in my lap...

I love you little girl.

I'm so thankful to be yours.

Love,
Mama