no judgement

Before actually becoming a parent, many of us are filled with ideals about what they will and will not ever do with their kids.  I'm speaking from my own personal experience of course, and from conversations I've had with other new parents. There are so many books out there that fill your head with craziness about raising kids the "perfect" way.

Here are the top examples:

• I'm never going to let my kid watch TV.  
• I would never feed that to my child. 
• I'm definitely going to use cloth diapers - do you know how terrible disposables are for the environment?
• Sleep training?  How cruel.  How on earth could you let your baby cry like that? 

I'm sure the list is going to get bigger and bigger as Ruby gets older and older, but for now, these are the ones that I've struggled with.  As a parent it seems there's always some kind of internal struggle going on.  Am I doing this right?  Will this "ruin" her for life?  What would so-and-so do?  

I do think I'm getting more confident as time goes on.  I've let go of many ideals that I had 2 years ago and try not to be too hard on myself.  Being a mom is a tough gig.  I have a whole new respect for moms everywhere, especially single moms and moms without their own moms in town to help out.  I realize how blessed I am to have so many helping hands around me.   

So from now on, when I see a child eating something that I previously would never feed Ruby, I hold off on the judgement.  When I see a mom in the grocery store with a child having a total freak-out, I empathize and wish I could give her a hug.  And the next time I'm on a plane and discover that there's a kid sitting behind me that will probably be kicking my seat and screaming the entire time.... well.... I might still be a little annoyed, but I'll send the mom a glass of wine to ease the pain... and hope for the best.  

Not sure what prompted this particular blog entry.  We've been having a really nice time, Ruby and I.  She's changing every day and looking more and more like a little girl rather than a baby.  

She smiles now when I point the camera at her and says "cheese".    Her hair is still.... quirky, I guess is an appropriate word.  Can't really figure out what to do with it at this stage, but all in all, she's a keeper.  Cute as a button.  She's talking non-stop.  She's happy most of the time.  She eats everything (and I mean everything!)  She loves me to pieces and makes me smile and feel wonderful every single day.  I love this little baby so much.   Oh Ruby!!!!!!!  I'm glad you picked me as your mommy.  

CHEESE!!

CHEESE!!!!!!!