Mother’s Day 2023

I’ve been blessed to be able to celebrate Mother’s Day for the past 47 years.  No one gave me an instruction booklet on how to be a Mom.  I got sent home with a 7-pound newborn & had to figure things out independently.

At that time, Dr. Benjamin Spock’s book, “The Common Sense Book of Baby & Childcare,” was trendy, so that became my reference for bringing up babies.  Dr. Spock believed that schedules & consistency were essential for proper child-rearing.

I had schedules for everything from feeding and bathing to bedtime.  Our social calendar, visiting with friends or just shopping, revolved around the baby’s schedule.  

Twenty-one months later, baby number 2 came along – still no instruction manual from the hospital.  I found it was more challenging with two under two years to maintain a routine. It was impossible to get them both to do the same things simultaneously.

Napping, feeding, & playtime schedules were all over the place.  I was frazzled just trying to make it work & I knew there had to be a better way.    So  I threw Dr. Spock in the trash & started mothering my way.

I became a much happier Mom & they were much happier babies.  Eating was when they were hungry regardless of the time, naps & bedtime were when they got tired & when errands were needed, I packed them into car seats & off we went.  

We made a significant move overseas during this time & a flexible schedule became a primary factor for all of us.  At a very early age, my sons learned to adapt & situationally adjust.  Those early years provided the foundation for how they would mature & manage situations as adults.

I’m glad I got rid of Dr. Spock because babies don’t require a rigid schedule. Once basic needs are met, they need to know you’re there when they need you & that you unconditionally love them.

I unconditionally love these two & I’m glad I’m their Mom.  I wish I could bottle this Mother’s Day happiness & keep it forever.  Today has been the best!  ❤️