A few weeks ago I had the amazing privilege of attending the baby shower of a beautiful Christian sister. She was glowing in all the wonder of new motherhood and I was praying that Ezra wouldn’t spit up on any of the sweet women that were taking turns holding him. The adorable couple opened amazing and thoughtful gifts as I tried (really hard) not to blurt out that all she needs is a car seat, a boob, lots of diapers and some pajamas.
There is so much truth to the idea that the more children you have, the less stuff you find you actually need.
On top of realizing you just don’t need a whole lot of stuff. A third time Mom also doesn’t care about a whole lot of other stuff. Pacifier falls on the floor. Who cares, pick it up and pop it back in. Isn’t that so cliché?
Truthfully, though. With my first baby, I literally wanted to wrap him in bubble wrap. I was so protective. His feet barely touched the floor. I would wake up multiple times a night to check him. He was always dressed cute and the world revolved around him.
Now here I am, a third time Mom. Sometimes I feel so casual about parenthood. I am no less passionate about the issues that matter to me (vaccines, sustainability, cloth diapers, car seat safety, baby-wearing, gentle parenting). No. I am just more willing to let the little stuff pass by.
So when my five year old gives my 8 month old an Oreo. I don’t panic. I let him have a few licks and use the camera to take this adorable picture.
When the big kids want to drag him around on a blanket while he sticks his head in the dog’s bowl, I don’t worry about injury or germs. I just enjoy the beautiful sounds of laughter and happiness…. then take a video.
What about you? How has your parenting changed with each child?
I wish I could be more laid back like you. I’m definitely the more anxious mommy, but I think I’m more relaxed with the second one then the first.
Mandi recently posted…Our Little Man’s Birth Story
I’m so glad I started caring for kids at a very young age. I think years of nannying, babysitting, and watching my nieces has helped me develop that mentality. My first little one is 12 weeks old and while there are definitely some things I’m very FTM about, I generally don’t stress too much!