On Perfection

The Perfect Woman

I know how to do it! That's right. I've got the secret. It's really all smoke and mirrors and I'm getting good at it. After having a hard autumn (just call me Crazy Hormone Woman) I've finally gained a little self-control when it comes to my tongue. (Long overdue- I know.) It was a necessity if I was to keep control of my tears. I've realized how much better I come across when I just keep my mouth closed. I can look like I have it all together. I just get dressed (I know- shouldn't be hard, right) show up on time to things, do what's asked of me and say nothing. It's really quite easy. Just don't come over. Or look in my car. Or look too closely at my kids. Or look in my pantry. (Yes, there are 5 combs, 3 flashlights, 2 toothbrushes, 1 belt buckle and innumerable sets of chopsticks in my pantry- all completely necessary.) Or get too close. With friends- all bets are off.

The Perfect Baby

How in the world did I survive motherhood before? Truly, I say that my joy in motherhood has grown immensely with dear Lanie. Of course, she's not quite perfect- she isn't sleeping through the night. But really, I'm okay with that. She is an angel. Just when I needed one. I only hope that her toddler years are just as angelic!

The Perfect Middle ChildSugar and spice and everything nice . . .

Ahh, and now, true perfection. Now I don't mean the that Eden is the Perfect Child. I mean, Eden has perfected the art of being the middle child. (I know, the irony of the name is not lost on me.) You know, the one who screams for attention. You want a power struggle? You got it. It really takes nothing to have a power struggle. She can create one out of thin air. What's that Eden, you don't want to walk? OK, I'll carry you. Oh, you don't want me to carry you. OK, umm, you just want to sit on the floor and cry and blame me for everything wrong in your life. Sure, I'm positive that's what people come to the library for.

Tantrums? You got it! Again, she's pretty creative. She can find a subject. Today she has had 2 tantrums that have consisted of "It's too far 'til my birthday. I can't wait that long." Her birthday isn't until June. Where does she come up with this stuff?

We go day by day- some days she doesn't want to be called cute, or she doesn't want to be funny and I can't laugh at her. She keeps me on my toes! I must say, I don't find much validation as a mother when my 3 year old says "I don't want parents. I don't want you as a mom. "

That's when I just smile to myself and think of the hundreds of times that people tell me this time goes too fast and I'll wish for it back. I'm logging the memories to relive someday when my house is peaceful and quiet.