Weekly Photo Challenge: Home

In the words of the husband, “This is home. This is what your house is always like; two boys whalin on each other.”

Project Optimism: It’s Worth It

I was writing to my sister this morning in an attempt to cheer her up and remind her that the misery of late pregnancy will eventually be replaced by the joy of holding your child in your arms. I sent her an email with photos of me holding my babies after they were born to help her keep her eye on the prize and soldier on through this last little bit.

I clearly remember that awful feeling toward the end, when you have no idea when your life is going to change completely. It’s so scary to think that your current life is going to end and then so exciting to think of beginning this new one. You want so badly to just see and touch this person who has been living inside of you for months. You need to know what this next phase of life will be like and you have zero control over when that might happen. It’s maddening. 

So I sent my sister this email with photos of my brand-new babies and my eyes welled up with tears thinking about how I felt when they came into the world. 

Brand-new Brady

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brand-new Declan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know it seems so sappy, but it really is amazing to welcome a new person into the world. Newborn days are not all love and sunshine, I can certainly attest to that. But that too, is worth it. I look at my two sweet, amazing, energetic little boys and despite feeling bogged down with parenthood a lot of the time, I wouldn’t trade them for the world. They make life better. Just thinking about them makes me happy and watching them become a real part of the world is unparalleled. Despite the times when I think I just can’t make it another minute, times like this weekend when there were early morning drives and hours-long bar mitzvahs to attend, followed by screaming-baby nights, ear infections and trips to the flu-filled urgent care, I still feel that the joyful parts outweigh the crappy parts.

So that’s my optimism for this Monday. It’s all worth it to see these two guys each day, for the hugs and the kisses and the learning new words and the learning to read and the snuggles in bed at night. It’s worth it. 

You should join in on the happiness. Here’s how:

1. Write about something that makes you feel optimistic. Whatever it is, write from your heart.
2. Post on MONDAYS. Include “Project Optimism” in your title.
3. Grab a badge by going to your dashboard and clicking the “IMAGE” widget. Adjust pic size 200h x 200w. The image URL: (http://mommiesarejustbiglittlegirls.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/project-optimism.jpg)
4. Link over here and invite friends to join in.
5. Encourage the person who linked up before you. Kindness is contagious!

 

Happy Mother’s Day

I just wanted to say Happy Mother’s Day to all of the lovely moms I know. Each and every one of you deserves a day with a few more breaks than usual, a little time to yourself, and gifts made especially for you by your children (if your children are small that is).

I’ve had a bit of hard time with Mother’s Day over the 5 years I’ve been able to celebrate it. I won’t go into it, but I had an epiphany this year that I actually DO deserve a break and who cares if it takes a made up holiday to get one.

I also want to take this time to be so appreciative of my family. I have a husband who loves me and our kids and is a totally hands-on dad. I have two boys who are so unique and special and amazing that it blows my mind on a daily basis. Being a mother is by far the most difficult, most exhausting, most confusing and confounding, and most rewarding experience of my life.

Reintroduction

Since I pretty much abandoned this blog I figured I’d try to get back in with a fresh start.

I live in New York City and I’m a stay-at-home mom to two boys.

Brady is my energetic, passionate, caring, focused, stubborn, hot-tempered, crazy-smart four year old.

And Declan is my super sweet, giggly, laid-back, drooly-faced seven month old.

I’m a freelance editor in addition to being a mom, although that part has been a bit tough to figure out since number two came along.

My blog is about life with kids in the city, fitting lots of things into little apartments, pushing strollers, temper tantrums, preschools and public schools, ridiculous amounts of construction, working and being a mom, and everything else I can think of. I try to be open and truthful, but I don’t like to hurt people’s feelings so I’m often not quite as snarky or honest as I might like to be. But I don’t sugarcoat parenting. I tell it like it is. My kids watch tv and sometimes I make chicken nuggets for dinner. The baby ends up in my bed every night. And despite my very best efforts, I do yell, sometimes very loudly. But I’m also teaching my four-year-old to read and write and the nuggets are baked and organic. Although I desperately want more sleep, I also cherish my nights snuggling that little body. And I try, very hard, to temper my yelling with lots and lots of love.

In the spirit of honesty, I wanted to add something I never have before…me.

Me and my silly boy all fancied up for my sister's wedding.