Tag: motherhood

Family

Day 8 – Be THAT Mama

The Merfett

I’m sure we’ve all played that never ending head game – why can’t I be THAT Mom?

I’m still very new to this Mama thing, but the temptation to measure yourself against the yardstick of Pinterest Perfection is everywhere. It seems especially potent in this land of the interwebs and blogs.

I was having a conversation recently about this very concept and how social media and the internet have magnified our perception of that Mom. Back in the days when our Mama’s were raising babies the bar was set at the PTA Meeting, or the neighborhood block party, or by the room Mom in 3rd grade. You could retreat home and the comparisons could pause.

Not anymore.

You browse Facebook and see your girlfriend taking her family on an adorable weekend outing, complete with magazine worthy photographs. Instagram highlights only the best of times, making it hard to realized that there’s “real” life behind those retro filters. Pinterest. Oh, the holy grail of all that is Mommy guilt. Can we take a side trip for a second? Birthday parties…for a 1 year old. When did they become formal affairs?! Like, whoa.

There’s nothing wrong with the internet and social media, I just think it’s distorting our view of parenting and being Mama’s. I LOVE the encouragement I can find through blogs, and the stories from more experienced Mama’s. But honestly, my favorite posts are about the hard days. When Mama’s keep it real and share about rough stuff. Being that Mom.

I want to know that I’m not the only one that hasn’t washed my hair in 3 days, and the only thing I’ve cooked this week it instant oatmeal. I also want to know that all my days as a Mama won’t look like this, but tell me it’s ok if that’s the season I’m in right now.

We can be selective in sharing our good side, I know I’ve done that. But I think it’s powerful to keep it real too.

Let’s be THAT Mom.

Family

Day 4 – Running on Baby Time

The Merfett

Who’s got two thumbs, a baby and is Type-A?

This girl.

You too?

Hi.

I wouldn’t say my case of Type-A-ness is super serious but I like having a plan. I LOVE making lists. Seriously, is there a better feeling in the world than making a big fat check next to an item on your to-do list? Confession: sometimes I write something on my list that I’ve already done just so I can check it off. Yep, nerd alert.

I feel better and more calm if I have an organized work surface. A clean kitchen counter and a freshly vacuumed carpet are my love language. Seeing those little mower lines on the rug makes my hear go pitter-patter. I can’t think about enjoying my evening on the couch until I have the dinner dishes done. Please tell me I’m not alone?

These things are still important to me, but I’m not running on Merfett time anymore. I’m on baby time. Merfbaby time.

I still desire to keep our home looking less like a war-zone and more like it can be safely inhabited by humans, but it happens at a slower pace than it used to.

Baby time is all the time. All the time is baby time.

Naps become sacred. Evening’s when Merfman is home for dinner are celebrated, and for many reasons. I’ve learned to become even more efficient with my time. Didn’t think it was possible, but it is!

I’m sure many new Mama’s will say that a clean floor is low on the list of priorities when you’re holding a grinning baby. They speak truth.

I’ll never get THIS day with my baby again. It’ll be over all too soon.

In a few short months he’ll want less of me and more of the world. So, why should I be consumed with the world now? The floor will keep, the dishes aren’t going anywhere, the laundry will get done…if not we can always pull my favorite move from college and wear bathing suit bottoms, right?

Set your clocks for baby time, it’ll be short but sweet.