tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post5825473062640495372..comments2023-09-16T09:24:20.566-05:00Comments on Smile and Wave: Choosing Motherhood: Pep Talk To SelfRachelDenbowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14685607684409546503noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-80657438037317210982010-07-23T19:44:18.016-05:002010-07-23T19:44:18.016-05:00thanks for that! i'm not a mom...yet - but I f...thanks for that! i'm not a mom...yet - but I feel like this is just good advice for anyone! being intentional about what we are doing is so important! thank you very much! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-50428489996547603362010-07-23T16:43:22.138-05:002010-07-23T16:43:22.138-05:00I think you took the words straight out of the min...I think you took the words straight out of the minds of every mother out there who is trying her best but still gets tired and frustrated and all the rest of it. Kudos to you for putting it all so succinctly. I wanna print out this post and stick it on my fridge to remind myself every day of how I want to be and that I'm not the only one who finds it a little hard sometimes. Thankyou so very much!Lillabillyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00613494577594849468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-77226178488450841282010-07-23T14:56:30.135-05:002010-07-23T14:56:30.135-05:00It's so wonderful to know us moms are not alon...It's so wonderful to know us moms are not alone in our craziness. As a young mother of a 3 and 10 mo. old I know how hard some days can be to keep up with every task that's ingrained into our heads. Some days can be full of raw edges but most days are blissful and lovely when everything that is important can stay intact. The important things are the easy part...everything else can wait til tomorrow...or the next! Thanks for showing us your rawness!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12645486534142508532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-10929708874628617852010-07-23T08:10:07.477-05:002010-07-23T08:10:07.477-05:00I know you're busy with those cute little kidd...I know you're busy with those cute little kiddos of yours, but i gave you a blog award if you want to check it out! :)<br /><br />http://beccanicole05.blogspot.com/2010/07/blog-award.htmlAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15505865117049652093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-50211511520765747882010-07-23T01:08:09.189-05:002010-07-23T01:08:09.189-05:00Just yes, to everything.Just yes, to everything.Skookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08561981284201416183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-87618486414192568892010-07-22T23:47:22.409-05:002010-07-22T23:47:22.409-05:00Rachel, you echo what myself and many many other m...Rachel, you echo what myself and many many other mums go through in raising their children. In fact, I don't think there is one mum in the whole world who cannot say that they felt like this at some time or another. <br /><br />We all go through phases like this and analyse our parenting from time to time, and by doing that, we are able to grow as mothers and become better people for it.<br /><br />Thank you for sharing and helping us all to feel that it's "okay" :)<br /><br />Karen xxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-60547913771693364232010-07-22T20:11:51.527-05:002010-07-22T20:11:51.527-05:00Reading through all the coments I'd just like ...Reading through all the coments I'd just like to say to all you mums of young ones give yourselves a break, it is lovely to focus so but you all are too hard on yourselves relax a bit and just be with the children.<br />Just having you there and respecting them as children and looking after yourself and respecting yourself as the adult usually works pretty well. A little bit of instinct and a little less analysis, it's summer enjoy!Concrete Junglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01719831749205797925noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-68069117093588357122010-07-22T18:15:20.582-05:002010-07-22T18:15:20.582-05:00wow -- this post spoke to my heart. my first litt...wow -- this post spoke to my heart. my first little one is only a couple weeks old and thoughts similar to yours have been running around in my head. my efforts are more simple, such as trying to speak softly and stroke my sweet girl's face as she nurses, instead of playing on my phone. to me, my challenge is to be completely present. it seems like life presents so many distractions -- phones, computers, tvs, movies -- that sometimes it's hard to jut be instead of doing. i can completely relate to your feelings of exhaustion in these efforts, and my girl is still so small. thank you for writing your thoughts down, and inspiring me to be more intentional with my time.Meganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18220555214003805199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-20083868975879501692010-07-22T15:19:33.568-05:002010-07-22T15:19:33.568-05:00Yep. Absolutely. I love it. You took the words ...Yep. Absolutely. I love it. You took the words right out of my mouth.Mirandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04888264290380513746noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-21788443386867572392010-07-22T14:14:54.695-05:002010-07-22T14:14:54.695-05:00This is a great post.
It's a hard life for a ...This is a great post. <br />It's a hard life for a woman nowadays - somehow I think it was way easier generations ago.... for one thing - there's too many high-tech devices (pun intended) to keep us from spending that quality time together as a family.<br /><br />I try and try to keep the house clean and the laundry at least in the laundry room ;) but it catches up to me... and then I just remind myself - CAN'T DO IT ALL.<br />It's good to get teamwork involvement, the hubby, the kids (if they're old enough), maybe your mom or MIL (maybe not ;) But the point is to balance things around so you're not constantly overwhelmed. Cooking for a few days makes sense, so that you spend more time sitting and eating than in the kitchen cooking everyday. <br />I work (almost) full time from home and have my daughter 3 out of those days with me. We try and spend as much quality time as possible and I try to have good activities on hand in case I get busy answering emails or finishing up a project. <br />We also bake at least once a week together - that activity alone I know she will treasure for ever and it will be most memorable for both of us (even though she's not even 3)<br />Someone also once told me that it's good to have more than one kid - then they entertain eachother!<br />Good point but not always doable for everyone ;)<br />Great post. Gave me a lot to think about... sorry i rambled ;)Pure Ellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09955404788259883649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-40308657630575807952010-07-22T13:55:18.067-05:002010-07-22T13:55:18.067-05:00This is a great post, and I love that poem! I was...This is a great post, and I love that poem! I was a professional nanny for years before I was a mom. As a nanny my only job was to play and care for the little ones. When I get scattered and overwhelmed I try to remember that my most important job is the one I used to get paid for. We are so lucky to be young moms of young happy and healthy babies! Your little ones are very lucky to have you, any mom that cares enough to try to do better is doing a great job!<br />- Carla <br />smallfriendly.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-23747146123816921392010-07-22T11:09:40.065-05:002010-07-22T11:09:40.065-05:00I often get very impatient and in those moments, I...I often get very impatient and in those moments, I have to think these things to myself too. I think we all do for one reason or another.Jaimiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16214250715175984161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-71571469745227124282010-07-22T07:58:18.927-05:002010-07-22T07:58:18.927-05:00wow i almost feel like i wrote this myself! i hav...wow i almost feel like i wrote this myself! i have to remind myself everyday that i only get to be a young mom with young ones once and that is right now and to absolutely enjoy it! also the idea to take the time and refocus on yourself and your family is so important, especially in the wahm role! thanks for the great post rachel :)<br /><br />http://commonthreadskingston.com/Mandi Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14843962776683477603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-29811568548319399352010-07-22T04:47:13.663-05:002010-07-22T04:47:13.663-05:00ooh that's me talking.ooh that's me talking.Traceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13988752829970998773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-18886937369113356932010-07-22T03:03:22.685-05:002010-07-22T03:03:22.685-05:00Such a beautiful post that I have thought about al...Such a beautiful post that I have thought about all day. <br />There is so much pressure to be a supermum these days but in the end the pressure only comes from within. It's all about forgiveness. <br />To forgive yourself for days that felt like a massive fail. <br />To forgive yourself when you tried to finish a quilt for your children because all you wanted to do was keep them warm, but they wanted you to look at them instead of the sewing machine. <br />To forgive yourself if you don't do the laundry for 5 days. <br />To forgive yourself when you get excited about a goal that doesn't involve your children when 5 years ago your only goal was to have children. <br />You try your best and you must tell yourself that every single day. A loved Mum (including the love you give yourself)is a loving mum. <br />Even tonight I was pulling the vacuum out and my little boy said "Not tonight Mum. It's too loud." <br />He's happy I am not whizzing past picking up random crumbs and that I can spend that time with him. <br />Well that's ok with me. <br />I will forgive myself for my dirty floor and that Mrs Brady had a clean one. Although she did have Alice. <br />xxxsuzyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01663399157680843604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-46078274361661595032010-07-22T01:30:59.516-05:002010-07-22T01:30:59.516-05:00I'm reading these comments as I look around my...I'm reading these comments as I look around my apartment, thinking how I have to clean it because I'm having a friend over for crafting tomorrow. I'm not even married yet, though I live with my fiancé, and I have a lot of guilt over not folding laundry or washing dishes. But my hunny doesn't care if the house isn't spotless! He cares that we spend time together, laugh and enjoy each other. I do all sorts of things for him, like making his coffee in the morning and keeping his cinnamon rolls in the house. Those are the things that make me feel like a good girlfriend, not the cleaning. Thanks everyone for giving me some perspective! :)sabrinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06492304947722627048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-31486928993094400042010-07-22T00:02:01.334-05:002010-07-22T00:02:01.334-05:00well said, r. you inspire me.
ewell said, r. you inspire me.<br />eToday's Lettershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07806024118492673623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-25322779986526807882010-07-21T21:26:56.449-05:002010-07-21T21:26:56.449-05:00this genuine effort means so much.
stick to it, bu...this genuine effort means so much.<br />stick to it, but let reality exist, for the next 25 years and you'll be set. (speaking as a daughter)katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02468300052767181221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-21490806721867190132010-07-21T21:22:10.859-05:002010-07-21T21:22:10.859-05:00THis is such a great post and every young/new mom ...THis is such a great post and every young/new mom can relate to it I'm sure. I'm a mom to a 3 yr old and a 19 month old and every now and then I get into a rut about all the things I want to be organized (former ocd neat freak here), but then I realize that my kids will remember the great day we had blowing bubbles at the park over the laundry being folded, but not all put away. One day we will have extra clean houses, moments to ourselves and time to do our tasks, but we will SO miss these moments and first discoveries from our little ones. When I told someone the other day that I was a total mom and sort of lost my old self she said "Give yourself a break-you're making a person and doing a great job at it!" :) Thank you for the thought provoking post. :)The Coons Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17206978943153313015noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-59089265052398540912010-07-21T18:42:51.786-05:002010-07-21T18:42:51.786-05:00ohmygosh ... i totally get this on all levels. you...ohmygosh ... i totally get this on all levels. you are an awesome mom and always seem to have the right things in check when it comes to your kiddos. i'm the worst at getting stuck in a rut when dealing with different phases/challenges, so my new mantra is a piece of advice from a friend. if what you're doing isn't working, do things differently. (it's so simple, but sometimes i feel like i have to do things the way i've always done things.) :)jen geigleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10792999003085858719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-80756456800715833212010-07-21T17:47:26.878-05:002010-07-21T17:47:26.878-05:00wow, thanks for the honesty. i totally identify wi...wow, thanks for the honesty. i totally identify with this. it can be really hard to want to "be there" in body AND mind when we are doing something "boring" to be with our kids. but it is rewarding when i sit down and do it. this encourages me to carry on. a good reminder. thank you!Corynne Escalantehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02496383836201919735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-28114531563917670852010-07-21T16:58:17.602-05:002010-07-21T16:58:17.602-05:00Well said. I feel the same way, a lot of the time....Well said. I feel the same way, a lot of the time. I try to remind myself to slow down, listen and look my children in the eye when I am interacting with them. <br /><br />I just finished reading "Unconditional Parenting" by Alfie Kohn and it was awesome. It really helped me refocus on what kind of mom I want to be.Carlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17218724668284144425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-1035558598587238872010-07-21T16:51:10.157-05:002010-07-21T16:51:10.157-05:00I never leave a comment, but you hit the nail righ...I never leave a comment, but you hit the nail right on the head with this one so I wanted to thank you by adding to the dialogue. Being a young mom is a privilege and I know that I for one sometimes take that for granted. I'm not a stay at home mom and having so much on my plate causes me to be inflicted, from time to time, with a horrible disease known as "self-centered tunnel vision"; not a good thing when you have a kid and a husband to take care of. Thanks for such an honest and thought-provoking post!C.M.Nhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05756485776401637547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-13364887072459541732010-07-21T16:28:44.469-05:002010-07-21T16:28:44.469-05:00goof for, rachel, for being mindful of these thing...goof for, rachel, for being mindful of these things. i can imagine it is no easy task to be the best mom you can possibly be, but your kids will appreciate all of the effort and love you're putting forth.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14440249866191958090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4351644930286151865.post-76368634763875240272010-07-21T15:47:49.350-05:002010-07-21T15:47:49.350-05:00This was beautiful. I don't think I want to ha...This was beautiful. I don't think I want to have kids, but I do want to be a teacher & I always have similar discussions going on inside my head about trying to do the best for my students & choosing that over what is easy. I'm sure you're a fantastic mother :]nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03702685607775085988noreply@blogger.com