We went to one of our favorite spots yesterday, MAM! It's always great visiting because they always have something going on for the little's (Kohls Art Generation) or yesterday they had an interactive art exhibit that was just as interesting for them. Gabriel right now is so chatty and he always ends up asking me a million questions and commenting whether we're at the museum or the grocery store! And I just love it because he's learning so much every day and even though some moments are tough with his growing personality it isn't impossible nor would I change the opportunity to stay at home with them at this stage for anything else.
Staying at home is not for everyone and that's okay! We're all so different and that's what makes us unique. My staying at home with our boys doesn't mean that I am a more loving mother either. We all love our kiddos and are doing an amazing job whether we stay at home or not. I get asked a lot about how I cope staying at home and what do I do to make it work mentally, physically and emotionally. I don't have a magical recipe but I genuinely love staying at home with them. I'm not sure how else to describe it but it brings me a lot of joy to raise them this way. It's something that comes very naturally for me, whether it's the way I was nurtured or my nature I can't say. This doesn't mean that some days I don't want to rip my hair out when Gabriel keeps jumping on and off the couch and refuses to listen to me! It simply means that in spite of all of that I derive joy from being a stay at home mom. I think it's important to assess that in all of our lives. At the end of the day whether I'm tired, achy and sore I look forward for them waking up and doing it all over again.
I think that doing things that I also love helps me on a daily basis. I absolutely love MAM. It's a place where I enjoyed visiting for years before I was married, when we married and I never thought I would change that after we had children. There's pretty much nothing that I think we can not do with them! Of course, there are always logistics and time frames that work out best for them. However, I create a habit to introduce them to things that I also enjoy in order for them to make space for that in their own lives.
I believe children are incredibly flexible and adaptable. They're constantly learning and every day they blow me away with something new. I've had to constantly remind myself not to underestimate them and in turn they surprise me with what they are capable of. I've realized that by treating them calmly, respectably and when I take my time to explain things to them- they listen. I'm really proud of that and I believe that's okay too. I share our stories and life because this has become a huge creative outlet for me and in doing so I've been told that I have helped give ideas and inspired in some way. That is truly humbling and something I don't take for granted.
Now with our third on the way I know some dynamics will change, but I will continue to do what I love too. One of my very favorite quotes is by Marriane Williamson and I'll leave you with that today,
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Wishing you a great rest of your week!
