She looks so sweet and innocent.
But let me tell you, looks can be deceiving! Maisie is at an interesting age right now. Don’t get me wrong, there are so many wonderful things that I LOVE so much! She does this super cute thing where she reads to herself out loud. She also shares cookies, bottles, and other snacks with her dolls. One of my most favorite things is that we have our own little language and we speak it to each other! Maybe one day I will try to record it. It is hilarious.
Some wise person once told me that, “Everything changes at one.” Man, were they right! Bedtimes are hideous! Flights are just sick and wrong (for the most part, luckily the last one was great), and she actually has an attitude now! That is what shocks me the most! I never thought that my sweet, precious, innocent little Maisie would ever throw a temper tantrum or hit me or yell at me. And I definitely never thought that I would be THAT mom with THAT kid holding her screaming, temper tantrum throwing child sideways in a Target. Yes, we all know those moms. The ones with the out of control children. That was me the other night. In Maisie’s defense, it was way past her bedtime and she was past the point of no return. But still, before one year old she would have just passed out. Now I actually have to be responsible and get her to bed at a decent hour. It used to not be a big deal to stay out till….oh….1am. Not anymore! Maisie is a happy Maisie when she is sleeping at 9pm! That part has actually been a blessing in disguise because now Justin and I get lots of time without Maisie, which is wonderful! Love her, but sometimes a mom just needs a break!
Just writing about her makes me miss her. Silly because she is just in the other room sleeping. But I just love that nugget so much, even with the temper tantrums and screaming and UN-cleaning everything I have just cleaned. I love that girl! I guess today was just one of those days that made me feel like I was in no way capable of being this child’s parent. But now I feel better. Now that she is sleeping. Peace and quiet…until she wakes up crying again!
Yes, I remember those days, particularly when my kids hit 18 months. During the day, I’d be run ragged, only to watch ’em sleep at night and fall in love all over again.
Jen, I know I’m bothersome, but I won’t quit. You really, really need to write this stuff down, compile it, and get published.
Your pesky author friend,
Mary
Yes, Jen…Just think of it. Now that Maisie insists on a ‘normal’ bedtime, you would have time to start writing that book! I’m so glad you’re having the opportunity to look at mothering and see it in a different light, because you’re living it. No one can explain to others (including her own children 🙂 what being a mom is like, until they are one too. I’m blessed to see how Maisie stirs up that myriad of emotion in you. It’s good for the soul. Love ya!
Stop all this talk about bad plane trips…you’re scaring me! 🙁
Thank you Mary and Mom for encouraging me in my writing! Please continue to be pesky Mary! I just don’t know when or how to write!! It seems so overwhelming!
Don’t be scared to fly Kelly and April! I still think April should fly alone on the way to the states! That was the best flight trip for Maisie. Coming back to Europe will probably be the hardest! Bring lots of snack and I recommend a pen and paper or something else to keep her busy! Get creative! You guys are brilliant at that!
hey jen – wasn’t sure which post to leave this on, but i just wanted to encourage you and you guys’ parenting. i’ve been reminded again these last few weeks how difficult it is to parent in the midst of transition and anguishing about transition. it’s so hard to make good choices and then stick with them. i just wanted to encourage you guys to keep up your great parenting! especially in the midst of all the turmoil!