Raising Bryson

It’s been more days then I’d like, since my last blog. I told myself I wouldn’t write every day. I didn’t want the pressure and I wouldn’t want to put the pressure of reading daily on my followers. I debated all weekend what to write about.. my current dating situation, what the kids and I did all weekend, or my strong felt opinion of something that maybe another woman is feeling but isn’t the one to talk about it.

Today, I’m going to talk about my Bryce. Oh my sweet Bryce! He has been exceptionally sweet since the day he was born.  I always tell or remind him to allow people their own space. He has no concept of personal space. And as much as that falls in line with someone the other things he struggles with, I like to think this is a special quality about him. He just wants to be close to you, love you. He gives the best hugs, they have so much love! And oh does he love to kiss you. So often he will come all the way from whatever it is he is doing, just to lay one on me!

 

Bryson struggles every day with some of the smallest tasks. Getting dressed, taking baths, evaluating his feelings, and sometimes eating a meal. I think what bothers me the most isn’t the fact he struggles so hard at some of the simplest tasks, it’s the look in his eyes, the look of frustration, confusion, determination but, most of all simple love. It’s not that he doesn’t want to do these things, trust me, he wants to.

This morning was a hard one. We have stopped using the word “bad” it was vetoed by Bryson. Last week was a “bad” morning (we were still using the word at the time). And I had said it several times in the car on the way to school. And Bryce asked me if his bad morning would be a bad day. At that point I decided we wouldn’t allow a bad morning to determine our day! But if you will, between us, this morning was BAD! Bryce struggles with getting dressed. And today, he had on about 4 different outfits. Once he decided on what he wanted to wear, it was on to socks. And it’s not because he doesn’t want to wear a particular outfit, it has to fit right, touch is skin right, fold right. And socks, oh for the love of socks! They have to “feel” just right. He will wear ONE pair of socks for DAYS just because they feel just right! We did find the perfect match & he looked great.

Bryson LOVES puzzles! He can put a puzzle together in 5 minutes flat. Yesterday he brought me an 100 piece puzzle, he was a bit weary. He even mentioned, “I don’t know Mommy, this has 100 pieces!” We put it on the counter and I had him separate the middle from the edge pieces. He got started on the edges right away. He worked on that puzzle for about 3 hours. He still not done, and I can’t wait to see his reaction to his great accomplishment!

My sweet, sweet Bryce.

Not Trading It In

After putting a few last touches on my blog yesterday, it’s strange how I came across this photo in my Facebook news feed. It instantly gave me my inspiration for my first blog. Although I did bounce back and forth the thoughts of what I would write about on  my very first blog.. and as much as I would like to “introduce” myself, I’m sure I’ll do plenty of that throughout all my post. Don’t worry, you’ll get a very good idea of who I am. 

The photo reads, "Shout out to all the unselfish moms out there who traded eyeliner for dark circles, salon haircuts for ponytails, long baths for quick showers, late nights for early mornings, designer bags for diaper bags, and wouldn't change a thing."

Anyhow, like I already said. I came across this photo in my Facebook news feed and it instantly had a negative effect on me.

Now, don’t misunderstand me. There are all different kinds of Moms & I am not the one to play the “perfect Mom” card. I just have to disagree with this message. Doing your make up, hair & keeping up your appearance doesn’t make you any less of a mother. And is “unselfish” really necessary? So us Moms that rely on eyeliner, hair appointments or carry our Coach purses instead of a hideous, bulky diaper/kids bag, have ourselves in mind & less our children?

I do understand this is just a photo and obviously the opinion of one & one sided it is. But, ladies, we don't need to "trade" anything! We can continue to take care of ourselves and still be an outstanding mother! One thing I've had to remind myself this past year is this, my kids will enjoy me more if I'm happy and if that means keeping up on my hair & make up so be it! I need happy kids. :)

I'm still learning, being a mother, isn't my only identity. Although, being a Mom is my first and most important job but, there is so much more to Brittany and I think it's important I know that.

I think I'll take a long bubble bath tonight.