
As my journey continues, the so called "tween years" are even more interesting and I continue to learn everyday. Most pictures I get are the back of him unless he wants something or cooperates or he's in his zone. I look back on myself at the 12-13 age and think I was not as advanced as kids are today. They seem like they mature much faster; like it happens overnight.
From my journey through infertility, pregnancy loss and now being a Mom, it pains me to hear women say I am "Just a Mom" but at times I wonder; we really don't mean to say those words it just comes out that way. I waited a long time to be part of the "Mom crew" and we are NOT just a Mom. We must always remember what we do so much everyday even if it's throwing a frozen pizza in the microwave to make sure the kids are fed. That's an accomplishment right there. It's not about cleaning the house or making dinner or doing laundry, helping with the homework or rushing around everywhere with a clock on our head; even though this is part of your resume. It is about caring for your precious child or children!!!!! We are the one's that keep it together even if deep down inside we might not feel like we have it all together. Especially during these uncertain times, I know as a Mom I feel judged by so many and I am my worst critic but at the end of the day it gets done even if it might not be the way we planned it!
This journey is never about JUST YOU, it's about that child you've waited so long to have. Even if you didn't experience infertility all kids need us to guide them, put up with their shit; just show up to be there for them through the good times and bad.
The Mom side has been interesting and it also comes with its challenges. I feel like you need to always be on guard of what others think of you and your parenting style. NOTE: ALL PARENTING STYLES ARE NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL and you will not always agree on how others raise their children nor will they agree on how you raise your child. I have come to learn that if you believe your parenting style works for your family then go with it. If it works for you then who cares what others think.
This Mom journey can be much more challenging when your child is in school or at the playground or just out in public whether it be shopping with you or their friends. There are so many opinions flying around that you must keep your guard up at all times. I find the looks and conversations with strangers are amusing, especially the interactions my son has with adults. He holds long, interesting, intelligent conversations. Then in my head if I don't know the person that well or if its a total strange and employee at Best Buy, I always wonder what they are thinking in their head? Are they judging me? Are they judging my son or maybe my parenting because he's being too friendly to a stranger? Then I look at my son and say to myself, "I am doing a great job at being "Just A Mom."
As Mom's we need to learn and give ourselves a break, things cannot always go as planned or be perfect. You are not just a Mom you are so much more!! I have to continually remind myself of this.
“There are amazingly wonderful people in all walks of life; some familiar to us and others not. Stretch yourself and really get to know people. People are in many ways one of our greatest treasures.” ~ Bryant H. McGill