Thursday, May 8, 2008

Not all fun and games. And Kansas.

Went to Kansas for my grandfathers funeral, and Lita got to meet her family from my mother's side. Very exciting.

This is her grand uncle Mike, who is my uncle...? so confusing.

Griffin the dunce rockstar?

Lita and her second cousin Olivia.




I am sure that most moms out there come to the shocking realization that having a baby enter your life changes everything. I mean, yeah, other parents try to warn the soon to be parents, but nothing really prepares you. NOTHING.
You think you have issues now? Throw a baby into the mix and watch what happens. Its like baking soda and vinegar or mentos and coca cola. SPLOOF! Not many marriages make it in the first year. That is how hard it is.
The balancing act is the hardest part. Sleep, HOUSEWORK, money, SEX, FUN, family time vs. personal time, friends (or a lack thereof) and just staring at a wall.
Parenting styles really become apparent when the baby shows up. You may think that you are on the same page, but chances are, you are not. Communication is the most important thing but it is also the hardest thing of all.
I like to scream and throw things, but that is not conducive to baby rearing. They start to do what you do at a very young age, trust me. I do double takes every day. Monkey see, monkey do.
I am also in the process of realizing that I cannot be a different person than myself just because I want my child to be a certain way. If I am a slob, then chances are my child will pick up some of that no matter how hard I try to be NOT a slob. They are not stupid. I mean, I can do my best to set a good example, but that is about all. Nor can I make them more efficient. I can teach them the same skills I have and HOPE that it sticks or kicks in at some point. I know that I was a late bloomer in life, in fact, I am still blooming. I know a few other people, too, who are in the same boat. All of this stuff has been magnified since the birth.
Think I am exaggerating? Go have yourself a baby then. And hire a house cleaner. Or, hire me one...

2 comments:

Mother Bates said...

its funny how much i see of Eber in you!

farewell grandpa!

sleep tight!

Anonymous said...

C-Everything is very overwhelming as a new mom, wife, family, etc...
I'm somewhat of a slob too-must run in family:)But I stick to a routine with the boys. They help make their beds every morning, put shoes in closet, clothes in
laundry bin, and toys away before bed. It doesn't always go smoothly but those are the rules of the house. And it's actually helping me with picking up after myself. Anyway, I guess if we can't lead by example, then we try to teach them from our mistakes. I love you and miss you guys...hope to see you this summer
ps check out FLYLADY.NET
Meg