Mommy Secrets

I think more and more about how in this digital age, people have become chronic over-sharers. From mundane daily rituals to emotional outbursts that probably should have been kept private. Now I admit that I am a chronic over sharer, but I feel there is an area in women's lives that has been kept quiet for too long.

Becoming a Mom is an event that will completely change a Woman's life without exception. It is a weird paradox that having a kid is the best thing you will ever do, but at the same time be the hardest thing you'll ever do. In this paradox, I feel that Mom's everywhere will brag and glow about the wonderful things, but feel ashamed or closed lipped about the hard things.

When a woman becomes pregnant, there is excitement and joy and just a small glimmer of the hardships ahead. It's like women who have gone through it already want to gloss over the ugly parts, so not to scare them. But in truth, it is when we show our vulnerability that we create understanding and comfort. It's when I have an honest moment with another woman about my struggle that I feel like I can go through this because someone else has before me.

So in the effort to over share, I will say this.

• Being a stay-at-home, can be the loneliest feeling in the world sometimes (thanks Mom)
• Even when you know breastfeeding is the best thing for your baby, it does not mean it will be something you will enjoy or cherish for a year (my own revelation)
• After 4 months of exhaustion, confusion, and disarray, you will begin to get your feet back under you and get used to this new life (thanks Kendra)
• You will make mistakes with your child every week, just cut yourself a little slack and do better next time.
• There was a point after having Clare, that I had to take an honest look at myself and confide in my husband. I said, "If I have one more breakdown like this, you have to take me to a doctor no matter how hard I fight you."

Every pregnancy is different, every child is different, and every one adjust differently. But just know that whatever you are going through, you are not alone and someone else has probably lived through it too. On a brighter note:

• Everything's a phase, and will pass eventually
• No one goes to college wearing diapers and sucking their thumb in public
• You will never love someone so unconditionally as your own kid. They bring you the greatest joy.

12 Christmas Joy's

My 12 Joy's of Christmas 2010

12. We have a real Christmas tree that lights up the house.

11. For the time being, our dogs are not trying to escape for the 65th time.

10. I pre-bought myself a $25 mani-pedi for Christmas! What a deal.

9. We went Christmas caroling around a friend's neighborhood! (a family tradition)

8. Clare love's my family's Anise Cookies, though most people hate them!

7. I made a gingerbread house with two 2 year olds, and no one ended up crying or fighting!

6. My sister is about to give birth to her first child any day now. (Come on, Anthony!)

5. Clare can sing the little drummer boy song with her own twist (what a pum pum)

4. I was able to take a "whole family" picture for our Christmas card this year (see above)

3. My Mother in law, Father in law, and Sister in law are all coming to our house for New Years to celebrate!

2. We are headed to Panhandle for Christmas, and I haven't gotten to celebrate there for 6 years

1. We are in our beautiful new house, full of joy and love!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Clare!

Happy Birthday, my baby girl! You are two years old now, and grow more and more each day. Here are some of your highlights:



You finally started walking. It took you a long time, but we knew you had to do things your way.



Kisses and Hugs. You love them so much and request them on an hourly basis.



My little helper. From pushing the laundry basket, to loading the grocery cart, to 'helping' me cook, you've really stepped up around the house.



Singing Girl. From "Winnie the Pooh" to "Little Drummer boy", we can hear your little voice singing short little lyrics all over the house. Pa rum pa pum pum..... Pa rum pa pum pum....



Bookworm. As always, you are still obsessed with books. If I could read to you every second of the day, you would gladly sit and listen. You've even surprised us with the level of books you'll listen to. The Bernstein Bear books are long and wordy, but you insist we not skip a single page.


Summer Pool fun. This year you had your first swim lesson and membership to the splash pool. We spent hours this summer learning how to kick and slid down the kiddy slides.

You grow and learn every day, but it's nice for you to still request to be "held like a baby" every once a while. Love you, munchkin!