Pat yourself on the back, mama!

I've been wanting to write this post for a few weeks now. It's something that's been weighing heavily on my mind and heart. I just need to say it (for my own reference when I get down) or for any other moms out there that need a little pick-me-up.

YOU ARE AN AMAZING MOM!!!!!!!!

There. I said it.

I feel like it is so easy to pick on ourselves and compare our parenting choices/styles to other mommies. In all reality, you just need to take a breath, look in the mirror and tell yourself that there is no other mom quite like you. Your child is just that, YOUR CHILD. No one can tell you how to raise your child. You and your partner created this little being, and I believe from the moment your baby enters the world, your mommy and daddy instincts kick in and that is what you should rely on.

I didn't realize how many different people, from a variety of generations, will bluntly tell you what your child should be doing at his or her age and what you need to do in order to have a "better" baby. It's ridiculous. I know that some people mean well, but others are just plain rude. As time goes on, I have learned to just let it go in one ear and out the other. Yes, there are times when a little advice is nice and maybe offers a new perspective. But 9 times out of 10, it's just plain bossy and annoying.

I'm not trying to be negative, I just want to say that every mom is perfect in her own way. Let your heart be your guide when it comes to knowing what's best for your child. I firmly believe in that. I don't look at parenting "how to" books or refer to techniques that were used 30 years ago and apply it to my life. I hate to throw this phrase out there, because lately it's received some backlash, but I follow more of  an "attachment parenting" style. For me, that means solely relying on my instincts and feelings as to how I react to my daughter. When she cries, I go to her. I don't rush to her every time she makes a whimper but I don't (and will never) let her "cry-it-out". Even if that means I don't get a full night's sleep until she's 3. I want her to know she's loved and I'm here for her when she needs me. Co-sleeping isn't for me. At least not with Eisley. She thoroughly enjoys her own space and is quite content in her own crib. If we didn't have so many hurdles in the beginning, we would still be on demand breastfeeding and I would have definitely done so past her 1st birthday. I don't go by a strict schedule for naptime or bedtime. I wait until she gives me her sleepy signals (as I like to call them) and then we prepare for sleep. It works out much better that way. Forcing her to sleep just because it's been X amount of time since she woke up just doesn't work. She loves being near us and I love being near her. She's my daughter, not a project.

I try to tell myself this when I feel overwhelmed or pressured to do things that I would not feel comfortable doing...

"This too shall pass..."

Your baby is only a baby for a short while. Enjoy it while it lasts. Soak up all the little things your baby does (good and bad). And just love on your baby... constantly.