Funny how things turn out...

I am a thinker. A daydreamer. A {wannabe} philosopher. I'm more than probably an awful procrastinator. Thoughts pop into my mind at the oddest of times, and I simply have to write them down, before they drift off into the black hole that is my memory. Like now. Tonight, I was finally getting around to ordering the photos I need in order to finish Jamie's baby journal, and pouring over the newborn photos of my precious son, delivered an onslaught of nostalgia. It got me to thinking, it's funny how things turn out, isn't it?

For example...

...I never even considered that I would give birth to my firstborn via a {emergency} Cesarean section. It wasn't that I was anti c-sections at all, quite the opposite in fact {whatever needs to be done to get the baby out, happens}, I just simply, and naively, had not given a huge amount of consideration to the possibility that I could need one. As it turns out, I did, and you know what, I don't regret it for one second {click here to read my birth story}. The thought of having a second child has {obviously} crossed my mind, and if necessary, I would be more than happy to have another c-section {and no, not because it's 'easier' for anyone thinking that, I can tell you, it is not bloody easier, the recovery is long, hard and painful for one thing...but if deemed medically necessary, I'd have one}. Funny how things turn out.

 First family photograph post c-section 

...I swore I would never use the word 'naughty' when disciplining Jamie, unless his behaviour absolutely 100% warranted it. However, in the heat of the moment, despite rigorously attempting to train my brain not to say the one thing that is naturally on the tip of my tongue, I've said it. I felt awful. I have nothing against parents that chose to use this word, if there is one thing I endeavour to be as a Mother it is non-judgemental of what other parents chose to do, I simply wanted to try and use alternative words in it's place. You see, I don't believe a child, especially one so young as Jamie, is capable of being 'naughty', I don't ever want my boy to think he is 'naughty'. His behaviour may have been what could typically be defined as 'naughty', but he is not. I'm only {less than} 18 months in, so I hope that I can continue to work on myself and my disciplining methods, and lessen myself of the guilt I've let myself feel for doing something I said I wouldn't. Funny how things turn out.

"Oops, I've been busted raiding Mummy & Daddy's sweetie box *cue 'butter wouldn't melt' face*"

...Whilst I'm on the subject of things I said I wouldn't do, I suppose I should mention TV. I can't abide seeing children with their faces pressed against the television screen, toys and books lying neglected on the floor around them. However, that image is one that has played out in my house on numerous occasions, although I hasten to point out there is no case of neglect here, simply 'mummy needs'. As in, "Jamie darling, Mummy needs a wee, right now, so CBeebies is going to babysit you for a minute, OK?!". Thankfully, 9 times out of 10, Jamie would much rather read a book or play with one of his favourite cars than watch the TV, but my goodness it has been an absolute lifesaver at times. When a poorly baby greets me at an ungodly hour of the morning, sometimes the only thing that can fix it is a dose of Calpol, Mummy cuddles and Peppa Pig, "oink oink". Besides, if our kids don't watch TV, how else will our homes get filled up with the associated memorabilia?!* Funny how things turn out.

 

He's gotta lotta love for Peppa Pig!  

...I'm ashamed to say it, but at times {depending on who I'm with/how relaxed I am}, I have a tendency to adopt a rather potty mouth {totally unrelated to potty training, just FYI!}. I know, I know, I'm old enough and ugly enough to know better, but these things happen, no one is perfect. However, one thing I swore blind {unavoidable pun intended} that I would never do, was swear in the presence of my child. Or any child for that matter. I have. It made me feel like a terrible Mother, and a terrible person. Change can't happen overnight though, and I am working very, very hard on this one...I suppose daily interaction with a very little person doesn't necessitate the need for swearing, it's just the adult presence that sways me. Funny how things turn out. 

Funnily enough, I couldn't find a suitable picture in my archives to document swearing...! 

...I was absolutely adamant that I wouldn't feed my child a diet based on sugar and salt. And I don't. But, I do give him sugar...and salt. In moderation. If he's eaten up all of his lunch or dinner {or is at Nanny's house!}, as a treat he might be allowed some chocolate or some Hula Hoops. To state the obvious, this treat will follow a healthy and nutritious meal, with fruit/vegetables. Because kids, that's what it's all about, being sensible and eating in moderation, whether you are big or small {Soo from Sooty & Sweep taught me that - if you would like to be educated too, click for Part 1 and Part 2. See, I watched TV, and it didn't do me any harm!}.** Funny how things turn out.

"Mmm, chocolate birthday cake!"

You know what I think? Parenting is hard enough, and there are plenty of people out there ready to make us feel guilty at every turn. So what if you've broken a few of your own rules?! As long as your child is happy, loved and healthy, then just roll with it. It doesn't matter how somebody else parents, as long as you are happy with how you parent. Now, I'm off to bed, because I promised myself that, as a Mother, I would always make sure I got my 8 hours sleep a night. Funny how things turn out.

* For what it's worth, and I hope this doesn't lose me any yummy mummy points, I actually have a soft spot for Peppa Pig. But, ssh, don't let anyone know I told you that. Or else I'll put you on the naughty step. Oh bollocks.

** I wholeheartedly apologise for breaking every rule in the book with this paragraph. As well as always eating in moderation, you should never start a sentence with the words 'and', 'but' or 'beacause'. But I can. Because I'm a Mother. And I said so.