Monkey kisses

Cuddling with my toddler today made me think about how much I love getting monkey kisses.  These are no ordinary kisses.  Oh, no.  They are given with love and are soft and fuzzy.  They are followed by an even better kiss...from my little girl who giggles as she looks adoringly into my eyes.  I will most definitely miss these precious moments when she no longer finds enjoyment in having her monkey give her mommy kisses.

The Frazzled Mom

Lately, I have felt like a frazzled mom.  You know the kind that have rings under their eyes, hair is a mess, clothes don't match, house is filled with clothes and toys everywhere, and you have a crying baby in one arm, and a toddler hanging onto your legs begging for something.  Okay, it's not been that bad, but my hormones apparently are still trying to level out.  It's frustrating when you know all is well, but you still feel like bursting into tears over...nothing really. So ridiculous!

I do love being a mom!  Even if that means the dishes don't always get washed right away, I'm not able to get a full night's sleep because one of my little ones needs me, I have spit up on my shirt, or I can't cook a 5 course meal.  I am a perfectionist and like things organized and orderly.  It drives me nuts when things seem chaotic.  You know what I've discovered.  Life needs to be flexible.  Kaylee sometimes wants to eat at the most inopportune moment  or Neva decides to have a boundary-pushing session when I am tired and ready for a nap.  That's life and God did not mean for me to worry about things I can't control or to get frustrated over the little things.  I need to trust Him for my strength, not myself.  I definitely can't do it alone!  A good reminder verse to me is Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."  So glad I don't have to live life on my own.  I am also thankful for a supporting and loving husband who just keeps on loving me.  :)

I read this little story earlier this morning and it's quite fitting:  "When a frazzled mother sent her little boy to bed, she heard him grumbling to himself, 'Every time she gets tired, it's me that has to take a nap.'" :D

My baby carrier (BabyHawk Mei Tai) is wonderful! Makes carrying a baby around sooo much easier, and grocery shopping and such a little less frazzling.  :)