Rookie Mistakes

Happy Belated Mother's Day to all the moms out there!!

My Mother's Day did not go as planned. I found myself making some rookie mistakes. Yes, this is my first child so technically I am still a rookie at many things... but these mistakes could have been avoided.

My whole purpose for going to Spokane last weekend was so that I could attend the graduation of some of the first Act Six Scholars I had the privilege of training. I had made a promise when they were in training and again when I told them I was leaving that I would be there at graduation. They will always hold a special place in my heart. I never actually go to graduation, unless it is family. Three hours of boring speeches and names called? No thank you. It just makes more sense to show up at the end to congratulate them. One: they will not know if I am in the stands or not. Two: they probably do not really care that I am there. So the plan was to show up at the end to see them. It has been customary for the cadre to meet up after the ceremony for a photo.

That morning Olivia and I took our time getting ready for the day. We made our way downtown not long after the graduation started (9:30 am). Olivia had not been sleeping well and I was hoping that I was going to time things properly. We got downtown, took our time finding parking, and then made our way into River Front Park. It really is a beautiful park. The clock tower never gets old to look at. 

We stopped at a park to play, took our time looking at the river, and then made our way to the Arena. Yeah, we were really early. Thankfully I had the stroller and had lathered her up with sunscreen. I decided that it may be smart to see if I could get her to sleep. We took a walk around the neighborhood. Success! She fell asleep! It was then that it hit me that I had not eaten yet. I had to pull a u-turn and walk the four blocks back to the corner store for a drink and something to eat. 

She probably could have stood there all day <3

When we finally made it back to the Arena, I found a bench to sit on. Of course it was not in the shade so I had to flip the stroller around to make sure baby girl did not get burned. 

Rookie Mistake #1: You know how they tell you to never wake a sleeping baby? Yup.... NEVER wake a sleeping baby. I knew this one! And somehow I managed to do it -_- I knew that she had not slept long enough. BUT, she slept enough that she was not going to go back to sleep. UGH! We still had a while to go before the graduation was over. So I had to find a way to entertain her. Hmmmm... "Wee wee???" Olivia lingo for movie. A move it was! Well, it did not last long. The service wasn't great and it was so bright, even in the shade, that she could hardly see anything. 

Rookie Mistake #2: "Eee? Eee?" (While pressing her little fingers together and back and forth from her mouth). Oh no!!! EAT!? UGH! I had only gotten a muffin for myself, forgot her apple in the car, and she dumped her other snack all over the sidewalk in the park. I tried my best to distract her. 'Please baby girl, just a little bit longer'. Nope... it was not going to happen :( I was heartbroken but with her going into cranky mode, I had to make the decision to put Olivia first and leave. As I was walking away from the Arena, Olivia was screaming as I passed this lady and she said, "Ooohhh, she says, 'that's a lot to ask of me mom!'" and then chuckles as I force a smile and walk away. I know she meant know harm and probably could relate, however, I was not in the mood for her comment. No, I did not make my child sit and suffer through a three hour graduation. I probably should have though with how hot it was. 

Each day is filled with teaching moments and learning opportunities.

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I apologize in advance to anyone who may take offense to this next part, but as a stressed mom of a very active almost 2 year old, I need to share.

When we visit people, it is not a time or place where we want to have teaching time with our child. Please, do not be shocked by her tantrums or offended if we do not deal with them the way that you would. If you invite us over, please pick up and move anything that you do not want to be broken. She is not looking to destroy things, but she is curious and loves to explore. Please do not parent my child. She already has two parents who are constantly getting on her, she does not need more voices telling her what she cannot do. Please do not be shocked at the amount of "tv/movie" time we let her have, especially when visiting. It really is one of the few things that will get her sit still. We get it - it is your house and your belongings. We are just asking that you have some understanding, grace, and patience. If not, we will see you in a few years when she is better behaved (Lord willing) :-) 

I have read quite a few articles about moms being judged for the way that they parent and treat their child. At one point I was the same way. Now that I am walking the path of motherhood, I get it. There is no room to judge how someone parents (unless of course abuse is involved). I think it is a blessing that Mike and I had the first baby on either side of the family. I can be very quick to judge and think that I am right and Mike has little to no patience and is working on his understanding. Well now I am constantly concerned with what others are thinking of us and our parenting. Mike has had to learn patience with Olivia, and me, and has seen what a blessing it is to have others around to help. I love to help people and know that I will be there for my family as friends as they have kids. I am pretty confident in saying that if others had kids before us, Mike would complain about the amount of time and energy I give to helping them out. I have a new found respect for all parents and the struggles they go through on a daily basis.