Questioning Why

I used to watch television shows or movies and wondered if it was really true that toddlers liked to question just about everything you do. It was certainly funny on the big screen, but the reality loses its humility. Our daughter is quite the inquisitive mind lately, and cannot seem to get enough information to fill her brain to stop. Sometimes I feel badly that I ignore her, but she just keeps on askin'. I'm really glad that lots of things make her ponder, and she's just curious to learn more. But I can honestly say, I just don't have all the answers. Do you think she asks to annoy, or does this child really want to know? Is it the inquiring mind that will help her to continue to develop emotionally, spiritually and intellectually? Will this questioning ever end?? I love the child-like expressions of wonderment and surprise. They really do show their emotions at the drop of a hat, and rarely play these adult mind-games that many of us get caught up in. For now, the best answer I have is "because I said so," and I'll leave it at that.

Rainy Days

When we were much younger and still dating, the thoughts of saving for a rainy day never really crossed our minds. We spent money frivolously and just enjoyed being young. If there was a stereo or a new pair of shoes we (I) wanted, by golly, we got it. Thankfully, we have learned many lessons from our youthful days and last year really got serious about what would we do if we weren't around for the rainy days that our children would undoubtedly endure.

So we listened to Dave Ramsey and contacted one of his endorsed local providers. Met with him and started talking about the future we wanted to have, and what kind of future we wanted to ensure that our kids would have. Our financial guy gave us great advice and right away, we refinanced the house and ended up shaving off years from our mortgage and lowered our monthly payment! A win-win to say the least, but the best part of all was devising the plan to give us a little peace of mind when we will no longer be here.

The saying goes that the next generation should do better than the previous, and we are working every day to be certain that our kids will have what we did not. As a parent, it's one of my priorities to give our children the best opportunities in life. Certainly, we will expect them to also hard work and commit to their studies, but I do not for one second want to think of having them not being able to pursue their college goals or just having that possibility available to them.

Today, the skies may be clear, blue and beautiful, but not thinking of the rain that may come at any moment would be foolish. I have at least two reasons to get up and go to work every day. And if I don't get up on my own, those two little reasons will be sure to wake me up. If it's sunny outside, I'll keep the umbrella at home. But even a hint of rain gets me thinking of grabbing the umbrella. Big or small, it will be with me to keep the rain from dampening my drive to be and do better for my family.

Streakers

Who knew that little toddlers like to run around the house naked? Both kids tonight got a wild hair and wanted to run around in their birthday suits before their bath, and particularly afterwards. I wondered if it was the soothing lavendar bath soap I used to get them that way? (Which would have been the complete opposite effect). Either way, the bare-ness of both of them were just outrageously funny. Their dimpled tooshies and mongolian spots were jiggling from room to room, all the while screaming of course. We both had to chase them down to get them dried up and clothed, but they were fussin' when the fun had to end.

Maybe there are days when running around screaming and naked is just the boost you need to settle down for the night. I'm sure it would have been nice to join in on the mischieve-ity, but I was laughing too hard at their innocent gestures of silliness that all I could do was enjoy the moment for what it was. Pure. Fun.

On Days Like These

The roughest work days are always great reminders of the best part of being a mom - and that is your family awaits you and loves you regardless of whatever challenges are presented to you. They are so eager to hug and kiss you, and are just all smiles when you walk through that door. My kids and hubby are what makes the un-eaten lunches, or back-to-back meetings or conference calls, or endless decisions of non-decisions all better with just a simple "hi mommy." The joy they put in my heart are immeasurable. I'm thankful for the paycheck, but eternally grateful for the priceless value of their love.

The infamous "No"

Our little boy has figured out the most important word in his very young vocabulary, and he's quite proud of it. His use of "no" - even though so cute and endearing - has really cropped up overnight. It's amazing of his understanding of time-outs and consequences for his actions, but I'm thoroughly impressed with his use of the "no" so defiantly when he thoroughly does not enjoy something you ask of him. In fact, his vocabulary seems to broaden daily. I think to myself - where'd he learn that? I wish I could say everything he learned, he's learned from me, his daddy or his sister...but he's exposed to so many other children and great adults daily. His observation of anyone seems so adult for a little toddler, like he knows how to people-watch and be friendly all at the same time. Granted, he still walks one way and looks the other, but he's starting to put all the pieces together.

The Guilt

I often read my friends' Facebook statuses that describe their angst of balancing work and home life with children, and I confess that those same discussions run through my mind all the time. I've read articles on other moms who had to choose for their sanity - stay at home full time, or split their selves between work and kids. Believe me, I truly love my children and family and wouldn't change it for a second. But I do wonder if it would be a bit simpler if I decided to be a full-time S.A.H.M. (stay @ home mama). There's something fulfilling about coming in each day to the office to tackle projects, work within tight timelines and produce something - whether written or otherwise - that you can be proud of. I get joy out of sharing camaraderie with a group of extremely talented professionals, and lending a hand or ear for other colleagues. However, I'll readily admit that when the day is done, I am also absolutely thrilled to pick up my two grimy, yet extremely happy children. I think I get solace in knowing that they absolutely love their school and they are well cared for by a group of individuals who share love and friendship like none I have ever seen. But despite all of the great things of work and home life, I cannot help but feel that I'm missing out on my kids growing up without me there, every single moment of each day. Could I survive if I made that switch? I know some of my friends have done it and are doing great. I just don't know if I'm built quite that way. I guess the Catholic in me has the guilt already built in - but maybe that's just what I need to cherish the moments that I do have with my little ones.

Dance Machine

Our little bubba-louie is a lean, mean, dancin' machine. Who would have thought a toddler not yet 18 months old can get down on it like he does? During my brother's wedding last month, he cut rug like nobody's business. The band was just captivating to him, and he just let loose. Granted, he was extremely tired and sugared up on boatloads of candy as his lunch and dinner - but that didn't stop him. He was fearless!

I thought it was surely a fluke that he just liked to wiggle and jiggle that little bottom of his...but my sister gives him her cell phone when she has the music pumpin' and he is just in dance heaven. Just tonight we were watching the end of Mulan and he jumped off the couch to do his dance routine to 98 Degrees.

I love my little dancin' don. His smile is infectious and his hip-shakin' will just make you giggle until you decide to join in his happiness. I think he has the right idea. Who cares if anyone is lookin'. Just do it and share the laughter.

A Day With Mommy

Saturday I got to spend the whole day with the kids - plus one. Our niece stayed over Friday night for her usual sleep-over...and surprisingly I did pretty well with all of them with no extra support. Granted, I wouldn't want to do it everyday, but I was particularly proud of how well the kids behaved and how sane I was at the end of the day. I even took a short venture out to Target with all three of them, and they got along quite well. The kids got to enjoy strolling down the toy aisles (well, at least the girls), and I got to get them out of the house for a short period of time. Sometimes when I doubt myself, I realize that I'm' really a lot stronger than I give myself credit for. Maybe I'm just so stubborn to believe I could fail at something, so I give it my all. But, for this one day of being mommy to three, I'll just give credit to the kids for keeping each other company and for allowing me to just be present to answer their demanding food requests. I guess if you feed them enough, they will remain happy - even if you set rules on just about everthing :)

Baby No More

Our son has decided that he's all grown up - in a matter of just a week. I've always loved the process of putting our kids to sleep...actually rocking them and letting them drink their milk before bed. But now, our son is good to go after some milk and his teddy bear in tow. We can lay him down in his bed and he's lights out, or shortly after a little jostling around in his crib, he's fast asleep. It truly seemed like yesterday that we brought him home from the hospital. He was getting used to us, and we were re-learning the sleep deprivation routine. Our daughter grew up in a hurry too...but I wanted to believe our baby boy would always stay our baby. I love that each of them has their own little personalities - so bubbly and giggly - and very opinionated on what they like and dislike. They get so outrageously vocal with their needs and have no hesitations of telling you what they think in their own little ways. Certainly, I am glad for their independence, but I can't help but think fondly of the days and months that rushed by us when they were teetering and tottering with every little thing. New challenges are ahead for all of us, but it's exciting to know that we will continue to grow and bond as a family. My kids will always be my babies, no matter how big they get or how much they want to be grown up.