What Jerry Seinfeld Taught Me About Parenthood

I've always been a Jimmy Fallon fan from way back, but I rarely see his shows due to the coming on so late. However, since he's taken over The Tonight Show I have seen clips of his guests circling around so I've caught a few highlights.

The first comedian he had on was the legendary Jerry Seinfeld. I mean I am pretty sure everyone has seen at least one Seinfeld episode in your lifetime.

He was talking to Jimmy about being a parent (since Jimmy is a new father), and how he (Jerry) wasn't a fan of our generation of parenting (see around 4 minutes into the video).

He says we as parents are "too into it." He starts describing his bedtime routine for his kids, and I can't help but nod my head and laugh as a he labeled it as a jubilee celebration. And how true is this? We have this song and dance to just get the kids in bed. The books, the songs, the stuff animal "semi-circle" as Jerry refers to it.  He then describes his bedtime routine as a kid...DARKNESS. And he's right. I don't remember songs, books, or anything like that.

I think back to my grandparents and my great-grandparents and think...hmmm how did they have so many children in one room sleeping? What about meals...were they scheduled...nap time etc? Obviously this is from a different era and the needs were different for that generation. Some were just probably trying to survive.

I think our generation has been swallowed by the "mommy guilt." Are we teaching, crafting, playing, and doing all things for our children at all times? If you're not doing a craft you're a bad mom. If you're not entertaining your kids all day you're a bad mom. If you're a working mom you don't love your kids enough. If you're a stay at home mom, you have no aspirations. When will it end? Why are we so hard on ourselves?

Maybe it's the technology, the internet, the social media. We see these perfect lives or ideas of what we should be doing.

But I'm hear to say, trust your instincts. Do what works for your family. Don't compare yourself to other moms. You are a great mom, and your children love you for just being their mom.

If you love crafting, then do it and don't feel guilty about it. If you hate crafts, don't do them and don't feel guilty about it. Cut yourself some slack, you are AMAZING because you are a mother.

So this Mother's Day, take that time off to soak in the day and let it be about you. It's ok to take a break, and I promise your child will survive!

Natalie

Some Weeks Call for a Breather

What a week!

When I have a week of activities, I am always glad to mark items on the to-do list to have some down time.

I remember as a high schooler and in college I was constantly on the go. But now as an adult and mother, I find I crave and need the down no agenda type days.

I see some moms always filling their calendar with activity after activity. I just can't do that...and if I do I feel suffocated. 

The bigger piece in all this are the boys would be just as happy or even happier with a day at home. Half the time Nolan asks to go home after we have only been away from the house for an hour.

We did have a few activities this weekend...a concert and then Easter Sunday but other than that you will find us at home probably in the yard.

(We somehow survived the Easter Service! One hour and a half long!)

 The boys both had their second Easter Egg Hunt this week...Nolan had one at school and then we had one at playgroup (Nolan was in MDO last week for the Easter Party).

This week slows down a bit, I have a KMB barre class on Tuesday morning, and a KMB meeting that night but after that no other plans! 

How about you? Do you constantly have to be on the go? 

Natalie

The Power of Imagination

As you might have read in a previous post, the age of three has been my favorite.

One big reason is that I love watching Nolan's imagination run wild. To see him talking to his trains, little Lego guys, cars, or his Octonauts always puts a smile on my face.

He then has started to tell stories and somehow they always end up with a monster in them (cue scary music).

Just yesterday we were outside, and he wanted to build a bridge for his cars out of some wood we have been using for the deck. 

If I could bottle up these memories and innocence I totally would. Seeing things through the eyes of a child is a magical experience and one I don't want to forget.

Conley experienced his first "walking" Easter Egg Hunt. We hosted a KMB Easter Party at our local Little Gym, and it was a huge hit! The kids had a blast, and I love bringing together other moms.

(Beautiful table by In Flight Celebrations)

We've got a big yard weekend planned with moving some plants to my raised square foot garden bed and some landscaping. Loving our bright pink crabapple tree (see photo at top) that we planted about a year ago. Finally getting the full blooms we were hoping to see!

What are your weekend plans?

Natalie

Smiles All Around

Hello sunshine! We have had some wonderful weather this week even up to the 80's! The boys are loving some spring weather.

Last weekend while daddy was out of town on a hiking trip, the boys and I just hung out at the house. Saturday was a down pour, so we decided to have a day inside.

While Conley was napping, Nolan and I planted all the seeds in our little planter. I'm happy to say they are already growing! We can wait to move them in our square foot garden.

This guy and his crazy personality...this photo says it all!

He is loud and proud and such a little flirt!

Then look at this gem of a photo:

I mean did I really get BOTH the boys smiling...and Nolan with an actual real smile? That's crazy talk!

I hope winter is gone for good and that you are also experiencing some warm weather! I believe we are getting some storms tonight but hopefully the warm weather will hold on.

Happy weekend friends!

Natalie