Denzel,

I can't begin to describe how much I love you. How much I would give for you to be happy, healthy, satisfied, successful. And as challenging as some moments are (i.e. the last 2 hours), I would do them all again to spend these precious moments with you. The miracle that you are, and the life and love that you represent are remarkable when I take a moment to think about it. In all the crying, all the boogers, your anger and frustration with me trying desperately to figure out what this "da" means over the last 12 "da's," the temper tantrums (that honestly only last seconds)...in all of that, I see you peacefully drifting off to sleep and praise God that he gave me you. You are worth it all, my sweet boy, and you will continue to be worth everything and anything we go through together. And I don't expect you to understand right away, because I didn't, but that same feeling is a mere glimpse of how God feels about you as his child. He loves you more than anything-you personally. So much that he would die for you to live, and live life abundantly. He cares about the decisions you make, the journey you choose and the people you love. So, thank you for being the physical form of God's love for me, and allowing me to experience it even deeper than I imagined. You don't know how much I cherish you. You will always be loved my bubbas, by me, your dad and the Creator that knit you in my womb. You are wonderfully and beautifully made.

Love,
Mom

Today I Couldn't

I can't describe this day better than the title listed right there-Today I Couldn't.


I just couldn't.

I couldn't handle my job.
I couldn't handle another excuse from a family that doesn't follow through.
I couldn't handle a coworker.
I couldn't hold back the tears at work.
I couldn't handle being away from Patrick for...now 4 full days, and counting.
I couldn't deal with the emotions of a family member going through chemo.
I couldn't deal with feeling alone.
I couldn't deal with being a single parent.
I couldn't deal with feeling stuck in traffic, because I was.
I couldn't deal with pulling my pants up again because they're now too big.
I couldn't eat lunch because I was so busy that 4:30 rolled around and I had to pick up my son.
I couldn't remember to bring everything home from daycare.
I couldn't remember to tell someone at church I wasn't going to make it to rehearsal tonight.
I couldn't console my son.
I couldn't get my email on my phone to work.
I couldn't remember to call a friend back.
I couldn't figure out how I was possibly going to fit in 20 hours of work into Friday.
I just couldn't.

But I did give my son a bath and smiled at his big beautiful brown eyes.
I did hug and kiss him more than ever.
I did nurse him and watch him fall asleep peacefully in my arms.
I did cry.

I thought about all the things that just seemed like too much today. It was all too much. But staring at him so peacefully sleeping, I thought about how blessed I am to have this little human love me in a way that shows me just a little of what it feels like to be wrapped up in the love of God. It's perfect. It's peace. It's exactly what I needed for a day like today. I wiped my tears, and placed him in his crib. Shut the door to his room and tried to click the snap on my bra, but it wasn't working. There was something in the way....a block. A big, wooden block. A 2-inch block was in my bra and I didn't even notice. It was the purple one that Denzel was carrying around all night. I had to smile. Especially after a day like today.

I'm not magically feeling okay again. But I am going to give it another shot tomorrow. And sometimes, that's all you can do. Thank you Lord, for caring about my deepest heart's desire, and for continuing to teach me in moments like these.

Making the Judgment Call

We've become a pretty casual society. Formal dress is not really common place (have you ever tried finding a formal dress?!), people are often late to...well, anything (guilty as charged), and we take advice from bloggers. I realize the irony in that sentence :) After reading a blog that someone posted on Facebook today, I question exactly what I read now and how it influences my parenting specifically.

This blog that I read was about not yelling at your kids. No doubt something many parents have struggled with, and it really seemed like great advice. There was even some scripture referenced toward the bottom. But one point didn't sit right with me. It read, "Don't be a repeater. Say something once and then punish the child if they don't immediately respond." It seems harmless, except that I've read research about how children at this age can hear the exact same sentence spoken 3 times and take away a different kind of comprehension each time. The study was quoted in The Tipping Point and was actually done for Sesame Street. (You didn't know Sesame Street used research to guide their show did you?!). The study found that when something is repeated 3 times (3 being the magic number), a young child more fully comprehends by the 3rd time, and takes away different aspects of the comprehension each time. Adults however, don't have this same comprehension. (Duh, that's why we all hate watching Blues Clues repeat...wait...repeat...wait...and repeat again. Or how about Telletubbies!?! No more again, again!)

I'm a little bit hippy when it comes to parenting. I choose medicine last and natural remedies first; I'm still breastfeeding at 13 months; I generally like to give my 1 year a short age-appropriate explanation of why I asked him to do XYZ because I think it's important he understand the why; I don't like to give him much sugar or salt, I let him determine the sleep schedule his body needs, and (I know you were wondering perspective on this hot topic) he's on an alternative shot schedule. I think there is definitely more extreme than me, but I'm not necessarily a "traditional" parenting style type. But the thing is, Patrick and I have both done a lot of research into some of these key issues. Then we weigh in anecdotal evidence from our own child (because why would I compare him with another kid who is so much different?). The very last little thing we consider is what other people have to say. You know, the Facebookers, the friends at church with kids the same age, the grandparents, and on occasion, a blogger who has some interesting insight. But not solely based on one of those things, and certainly not a blogger alone.

I think we owe it to our kids, and ourselves frankly, to start making better judgment calls based on more reliable sources. And sometimes that source is our mommy or daddy gut. If you have a 43 hour unmedicated labor because you want the best for your baby, don't let others tell you you're crazy. If you are okay with waking up twice a night with your 2 year old because they take 2 naps a day religiously, don't let another person tell you you have to let them cry it out. If you give your child a bath in the morning instead of before bed, be empowered by knowing he/she is invigorated by baths and doesn't get sleepy, despite what others say. If you choose the shot schedule, an alternative schedule, or no schedule-go with your educated reason. But don't just take someone's word for it because they know how to type and hit "publish." And please don't take my word for it-do a little homework and figure out what's best for you and your family. In the end, those are the people directly affected by your decisions anyway, and everyone else has the very same choice.

What about ME?!

Sometimes I'm really selfish. The house is a mess, laundry needs to be done, the baby is covered in food (which I sometimes wonder if any of the food makes it to his mouth and subsequently to his stomach), and I just get home from work. I'm tired, I've been working all day, AND pumping AND I come home to chaos. Alright, maybe that's a slight exaggeration. I come home to disorder. Then I see my husband falling asleep, because he's had a long day at work too, but I don't think about that. I'm already in illogical mode. You know, when you see the facts before you, but you *choose* what you want to feel. It looks like this...

"What about me?!"
"Why do I have to do it all?"
"When do I get a break?"

Then I start resenting. I resent all my responsibilities, all the people, everything. I told you, it's not logical. It's actually pretty selfish. And I can sit here blogging and tell you that I feel selfish right now, but I'm not in any hurry to change my attitude. Eventually though, the smoke starts to clear and I'm reminded of how grateful I really am of all the responsibilities, the people, the everything. You see, without responsibilities I would have no job that I love, no bills to pay because I would have no stuff. I wouldn't have my son, whom I love more than my own life, nor would I have my husband who is sometimes the most godly form of love I've experienced here on earth. I wouldn't have a roof over my head, because I wouldn't have an incredible family who has *welcomed* us to stay with them until we buy a place of our own. I wouldn't have two dogs that get excited to see me EVERY time I come home. None of it. I wouldn't have one of those things.

So then I go back to my illogical thinking.

What about me? Well, yesterday I was able to spend almost the entire day with my son. Some beautiful quality time, just he and I. Then the 3 of us went for a family walk with the woofies and it was perfect. I guess it doesn't need to be about me, it can be about we.

Why do I have to do it all? I cannot tell you the last time I picked up dog poop. I know this statement seems random, but seriously, since we've moved here I've picked up dog doo maybe twice. TWICE in 4 months! If I were doing it all, I would definitely be picking up more Cleveland Steamers. I walk by the laundry room to find some of my clothes have been nicely folded in the basket. Definitely wasn't me who did that. Several times I've come home to dinner already made, and child already fed. (I know he's already fed because the evidence is all over his face :D). So...I guess I don't do it all.

When do I get a break? ...well, I guess I'm writing this at a time when I'm not nursing/pumping, not changing a diaper or feeding a little mouth, not doing laundry, giving a bath, listening to a spouse, mediating drama or circumstances, not house hunting, I'm not eating, sleeping or working out...so I guess this is a break.

I'm guessing you get the picture.

When I think about it like that, it's all pretty silly. I mean, I can almost laugh at the ridiculousness of the whole thing. But I did allow myself to think those things in the beginning. And how easy is it to say, "I deserve this or that." Deep down I know what I deserve. I deserve none of what I have. The Bible says the wages of sin is death. Well, you could give me a crown and scepter and call me queen of sin, because I'm human, I have limitations, downfalls, and sometimes I'm just plain selfish. I deserve death. But the beautiful truth is, I've been given grace. I've been forgiven. Refreshed, restored and given another chance.

I would never say the selfish feelings won't come again, chances are that they will. But at least for now, I'm going to choose to extend the very same grace I've been given, and let it all go. I'm going to let this writing be my exercise of acknowledging what's there and releasing it.

I invite you to do the same-right now. If there's something you're harboring, do your mind and your body a favor-just let it go. It's not easy and no one is saying you weren't right or you're not deserving. Once you let the selfishness go, it's freeing. Really it is. So if you don't do it for the other person, do it for you. After all, you deserve it right?

Passion Unscripted

I think I'm a pretty passionate person. Maybe not overtly so, at least not right away when you meet me for the first time. But if you know me, I mean really know me, you know that God has really laid some specific things on my heart-one being this pursuit of the work God has called me to do. I call it my life's purpose.

My purpose, I think from God's perspective, has never changed. I believe that he has created me passionate about children from the beginning for a reason. My perception of it, however, has evolved greatly since college. From my perspective, living out God's will for my life, my hands, my feet, my knowledge-it's all a beautiful masterpiece, a creation if you will, of timing, events, relationships and other things I'm sure I know nothing about. And over it all is God. In all His glory. Do not misunderstand-I am no where near God. I am not close to anything he could sneeze into existence. Rather, it is his intricate plan that reflects his goodness and leaves me in awe.

Ok, enough poems, let's talk the tangible. I work in foster care. I read case after case of despicable  horrific and unspeakable things that children-babies in utero through 18-have been exposed to. I get calls of social workers trying to place 6, yes, 6 siblings all in homes at the end of the day. I see kids with terrible behavior and know that the reason they're throwing things, biting, kicking, screaming, crying, pulling out their own hair even, is because they have been exposed to things you and I never will. Or worse, they've been a part of it. They don't always just witness the domestic violence, sometimes they are the victim. I see the darkest part of the world-in my mind-when I see the child that has been changed negatively because of their circumstance. People often think adopting is all about picking out the "perfect kid" to grow their family. While I don't want to be pessimistic...that is just not reality. Fostering is no walk in the park. These kids come with issues, and some more than others. But I don't think it takes a "strong" or "perfect" family to foster. I think it takes a shift in perspective.

What if you saw it as your problem? What if together we acknowledged that our community-no matter where you live-needs to do something to protect children? How could you change the life of a child? I know this sounds like a commercial you've seen before with the terrible pictures, the flies, the tears, the unsanitary conditions...but really. What are you doing to protect children? You don't have to work for an FFA like me. You don't even have to post anything on Facebook if you don't want to. What if it was as simple as being aware of the children around you? What if you knew your child was friends with a foster child and you invited them over for dinner and got to know them? What if you looked out for those kids? What if you prayed for them? These are all very simple tasks that really don't take much effort on your part, but can make a huge difference in the life of one child.

Or...just throwing it out there...you could open your home to a child. "WOAH Andrea! Those kids have issues, behaviors, they cry and get angry! In my home?!" Why not? God has invited you into his house, and you have issues, behaviors (some WAY worse than a child's!!), you cry, you get angry...what's the difference? The difference is action to the call. Even Jesus himself came for the lowly, the poor, the prostitutes, the exiled, the sick-and I'm not talking about the flu sick, the sick as in demon possessed, blind beggars, people with disgusting skin diseases that were highly contagious! And he loved them. You know who else he loved? Children.

It's true, I'm passionate about specific things. But what would passion be if it weren't passed on? Not nearly as powerful I think. It's time to start taking a Godly perspective in what we do, and let's start with taking care of God's children.

What you have done for the least of these, you have done for me. ~Jesus

Week 1-Complete

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN SO GIDDY ABOUT SOMETHING THAT YOU BURST OUT IN A SMILE AND A MILLION DETAILS TO ANYONE WHO ASKS, "How is such and so going?"

You know, like you worked and worked on a home renovation and it's finally done and you want to invite everyone over??

Or after much sacrifice (financially and emotionally) you earned your degree??

Or your kid finally said, "mama."

Or you LOVE your job?!?!?! That's right, I said LOVE-YOUR-JOB!

Well, we've never renovated our house. I earned my degree last year, and D said mama a while ago...but today! Today I speak of my job. I. Love. My. Job.

Honestly, there is not space enough to describe my whole journey here, but I will give the one sentence synopsis: every work experience of mine has culminated to be perfectly placed in my life's journey. Each has given me unique experience that has allowed me to cultivate characteristics in myself that I value-things that innately have the potential to bloom-given the right circumstances. So those experiences have all led up to this point in time in which I've found myself employed by a company that truly was meant to be.

Let me tell you everything this organization is:

-Organized
-Competent
-Excellent
-Nurturing
-Flexible
-Incredible
-Supportive of Employees
-Fair

Even greater than the organization itself are the people that work for this company. I love my coworkers. All of them. Some more than others of course, but really?! When was the last time you liked all your coworkers without reservation?? Genuinely good people. People of integrity. I mean, these are quality people working with me.

Just like the song goes, "Put it all together and what-do-ya-get?"

An employee that has found a great fit for employment. That's what you get.

Now it's time to get personal. I feel fulfilled. I was worried that leaving D would be so hard on me I wouldn't be able to function. Well...I wish I was with him during the day no doubt, but it's so much easier to go to a job that I love. A job that I feel challenged in, and encouraged in. One that I know I will grow in. And they're organized. Did I tell you that part?! My detail-oriented nature is heel-clicking right now in case you were wondering. Every detail has been thought of. There is a written process for every thing. It's simply amazing. Eat that for dessert!

So I've finished my 5th day of employment and I'm exhausted but living out my purpose. Let me tell you, there is nothing cooler than that feeling.

How's beebee doing? He's adjusting. He's giving Grandma a run for her money during the day, that's for sure. He's an active little guy. Always pulling himself up on something, pulling down something, throwing something to hear it make a noise, reaching, grabbing, pooping like a million times a day...he's a handful, a precious handful. And he's got some great grandparents. We are so so blessed.

So life right now is incredible. I don't know that it's ever been this good before, or maybe I've never realized what good really is. But right now life is so good. Very much looking forward to what the future holds for us in this new promised land we call California :)

P.S. If you aren't my friend on FB, my new position is a Foster/Adopt Social Worker.

Time to Let Go

Today I need to take a step back and remember how truly blessed I am. In the past 8 months, a lot has happened to this Jones family. I'll catch you up to speed.

Sept. 2012-Denzel was born the same week I finished my master's.

March 2013-After no good job offers (for me) and a great opportunity for Patrick's work, we decided to move to CA. We moved with a 6 month old across state lines to Patrick's parents' house. California was ultimately where we wanted to raise our kids, where we wanted to end up and plant roots, and we were itching to burry those roots into fertile soil once and for all. (AZ is full of caliche :)

April 2013-I sent in a good amount of applications and prayed that God open the door I was meant to go through. Of all the applications I sent in (including a few that were a PERFECT match of my qualifications) I heard back from ONE agency. I had an interview and it was a great fit. I had a second interview which only confirmed my first suspicion-this is where I'm meant to be right now. They offered me the job.

May 2013-I start my job next week, and it's actually been nice to have this "preparation" time. I've been mentally preparing to go back to work full-time...without my baby. I mean, I haven't been away from him for more than a few hours, let alone a whole day 5-6 days a week! So this prep time has been good for me. I know it'll be so hard to be away from him at first, but hopefully it'll be easy for him. I'm excited to go back to work. Really excited. Especially for this organization.


We weren't sure where in CA we wanted to be ultimately, so for the first several weekends of our time here we scouted out some different cities and neighborhoods. The long list of possibilities was quickly narrowed down. Then we found a great church where it was so easy to get connected, and the people-they were just REAL people! You know, the kind that don't make much small talk and actually care about you?? I know, think real hard about the people you know like that. So this church is in Long Beach, and we L-O-V-E Long Beach. We've even narrowed down the neighborhoods that we're looking in.

Which brings me to my next topic. This is a topic in which I could write a novel about-moving. So we're looking for a house, trying to get prequalified, figure out finances, list our Scottsdale house and sell at the right price so we can have a decent downpayment in CA. Oh yeah, I'm about to start my job, Patrick is working full time and we have a baby. I think the only time life will slow down is when we get to Heaven. And then praise the Lord, I will sing all day long. No need to worry about houses, finances, children....

Ah yes, worrying about children. Something I never understood until I became a mom-worry. At any one given point I'm thinking all of these things,

"Should I let him put that eucalyptus leaf in his mouth?"
"Is he whining because he hates his food, has a new tooth, dirty diaper, or I'm just not singing enough for him?"
"What if he falls?"
"He just fell, but won't let me hold ice on his bump. Will that cause permanent damage?"
"He just fell again because he's tired and is a little wobbly. Do I comfort him, put him down for a nap, give him milk, all of the above?"
"He's allergic to something in this new environment. The new things in this environment: chickens, more dogs, cat, weather, humidity, at least a million plants, a plethora of bugs that would never have survived in AZ, spiders of all shapes and sizes...awesome, that'll be easy to narrow down."
"I'm going back to work, what if he doesn't sleep?"
"What if he doesn't eat?"
"What if he cries all day?"
"What if he gets hurt when I'm not around?! Then I can't hug him and tell him, "Mama's here sweetheart."
"What if he thinks I'm never coming back?"
"What if his attitude totally changes and it's my fault because I'm not at home anymore?"
"What if he seriously gets hurt?"
"What if"
"What if"
"What if"

My calm mom thoughts have evolved into a debilitating block wall of "What if's." But the truth that I've wrestled with the past couple of days: God loves Denzel more than I ever could. I don't think that had a chance to soak in the first time I heard it. I mean really, who could possibly love my child more than me. NO ONE!! Not true. The Lord does. And part of me having faith in that kind of loving God is acknowledging that He will still be looking out for him even when I'm at work. When I'm working with other kids and other families, God is completely focused on the child He has blessed me with. And on that truth alone I start coming to a place of peace. Notice I didn't say I AM at peace. I'm not. But I'm starting in the right direction-believing God's word, and believing what he says is true. I believe it with my head, and my heart is close behind.

So that's us right now. Gearing up for a 2-parent working household, looking for a place of our own, selling one of our houses in AZ, and you know..the day to day stuff when we have time :) It's time to let it all go, and let God take over.

I wouldn't do it

Denzel is sleeping next to me on the couch. He's peaceful, he's calm (which is rare), and he's even "sucking" a little in his sleep. You know, like he's still eating. He is, in my eyes, God's beautiful perfection. Not yet aware of the world's ways. Not yet knowledgeable of sin, or of evil that lurks. He is a small bit of God's love for me to see right now, right here in this moment. And so I think about how I could ever give him up-knowing that he would have to die a painful death. That I would have to turn my back on him in order to save those he hasn't even seen yet. Could I do it? Could I give up my son to save others? You might say, "YES! Jesus paid the price for so many, of course!" But I say no. I wouldn't. I wouldn't give up my perfect son for anyone or anything. Save millions, maybe even billions? I don't care. This is my flesh and blood, literally created inside me, and you say watch him die-AND be rejected by the people he came to save? No. Not me. Not him.

So how did God do it? I can't even fathom. My human-mother brain can literally not understand. I don't get it. But for me today, it's not about getting it. It's about being in awe. It's about being so in awe-knowing I would never do the same, and being grateful. Grateful that God did give me the chance. That he put his son's life on the line so that I might live. Amazing. That is amazing love. Love that I can't wrap my head around, but wow am I blown away by it. In complete awe.

I approach today, Good Friday, from a whole new perspective as a parent. I know I'm not God (good thing for you!!) but I'm blown away by His grace. Blown away. Thank you Lord for your sacrificial love, for continuing to love me, and for giving up your own flesh-your own son so that I might live. I praise you today for your goodness. Amen.

SCENTSY STOCK SALE!!! (While supplies last)

SCENTSY STOCK SALE!!!

(Once an item is sold, I'll remove it from the list)

Full-Size Warmers $17:

NO MORE AVAILABLE, SORRY.

Mid-Size Warmers $11

Plug-In Warmers $9

(The one below was used for display, but still has a box)

Buddies $13

NO MORE AVAILABLE, SORRY

Bars $3

Pima Cotton

Bars $5 (not on sale, sorry)

2-Snowberry, French Lavendar, Baked Apple Pie, Skinny Dippin', Christmas Cottage, Whiteout, Tingelo, Clean Breeze, Pumpkin Roll

Prices already include tax. First come, first serve. Cash only please. Email me if you're interested in purchasing jazzyshmazzy17@gmail.com

Sometimes I Wish I Were Amish

How's that for a title: Sometime I Wish I Were Amish. It's true though. The Amish have it right: simplicity. The word I'm trying to live by this year: simplicity. Except that I just broke that new years resolution by introducing my kid to a bottle. Simplicity? Yeah, that's thrown out the window.

I've been on the job hunt with the intention of going back to work so Patrick can work on his school stuff now. We're switching roles, and I feel really good about it. So, I've been trying to get ready to go back. Yesterday we went to Babies 'R Us, and walked down the bottle aisle. No, more like bottle section. Have you seen all the choices in bottles?! It's totally unreal. The two of us looked dumbfounded. "Uhhh, I dunno...what do you think?" ::Patrick's eyes were huge, and he remained motionless:: I swear it was a scene out of a cartoon. Patrick and I just stand there looking up to the top of the display, but it just keeps growing...like Alice in Wonderland...or Jack's Beanstalk...something crazy like that. TONS of bottles! I shook myself up a little and said, "Oh yeah, I'm going to get Tommee Tippy bottles." (Great name right?) I'd seen a friend of mine with those and liked the shape-very breast-like-but later I will learn they're not at all the same. Plastic and human that is. I'm going to skip our conversation because we literally stood there for more than 5 minutes trying to figure out which nipples to buy (they have different flows!), what size bottle, etc. etc. We ended up with two overwhelmed parents and four different Tommy Tippees in our cart. Whatever, I'm glad that's over.

Then we went to the diaper section. Now this I've got down. My kid has worn just about any diaper well. What we buy is really a matter of preference (mine and Patrick's) and cost. Well, score! There's a sale! We find some good AND cheap diapers. Load up the cart and head to the check out. I just remember that two couples we know are expecting so we make a quick stop to get some cards. I found a really funny one...

Sometimes it really feels like that. Baby is upset and you don't know why. I've had 4 months now to get to know this little guy, and I think for the most part I know what he needs. I've definitely had these moments though. And D has never even had colic. Lord bless the parents that have babies with bad colic. 

Where was I? Oh yeah. So we get the cards, check out and breathe a huge sigh of relief as we load up the car. 

Skip ahead to today. I think to myself, "I'm gonna try these cute new bottles." So I pump, dump it in cute little Tommee Tippee and try to feed D. He looks at me like, SWEET! A NEW TOY! And proceeds to chew the nipple. I watched him almost in a panic. I mean, I do NOT want to encourage that behavior!!! But at least he's okay with it...but then he actually got hungry...and this bottle was not ok with him. "Get the toy out of my face, Mom, and give me the real stuff"-is what his wailing said to me.  See how the card above is a baby with mostly mouth? That was D all the way. It killed me. I almost started crying myself. So I give him to Patrick, because he loves Patrick. Maybe Daddy has the magic touch.

Nope. Not this time.

I caved after probably like 5 minutes. I KNOW! It's terrible. But when your child is crying because you're withholding something from him-something that you could easily give to him, and worked very hard to get right (worked hard for 3 months I might add!)-and that something is basically you...it feels like an eternity. I felt like I was abusing my child. Neglecting him. Being a terrible mother. I know it's not rational, but that's how I felt. I caved.

He was exhausted from crying (he doesn't cry very much, I think he wasn't used to this) and then eating like the world is coming to an end, and D fell asleep right away. 

Two hours later I attempted again. Patrick actually tried to feed him and I stayed in the other room. He didn't cry quite as much, but still didn't take the bottle very well. I lasted like 13 minutes this time...then I tried feeding him from the bottle. He WAILED. He smelled my weakness. I gave in again.

I felt like such a failure. How could I go back to work? How could I leave him with anyone for more than two hours during the day? Waaaaaaaaah! It was my turn to cry. 

Then I posted something on Facebook about the bottle thing and got a shlew of responses. Most of them were of the, "went through that same thing myself" nature. That got me thinking: why do we expect so much of little kids? I mean, really. Just consider for a moment the things we expect our babies to do-and do without struggling I might add:

-Sleep with lots of noise going on all around them

-Eat on a schedule

-Nap on a schedule

-Stay quiet 

-Drink from a plastic contraption, instead of mother nature's cup

Now tell me: when was the last time you slept through the vacuum? I sometimes wake up when there's a loud bird outside. Forget the vacuum! But we expect kids to sleep through loud noise.

What about eating on a schedule? When was the last time you said to yourself, "Self, I'm so hungry, but I can't eat for another couple hours because I'm on a schedule" ? ERRRRN, WRONG! Ok, if you've done that, you must be superhuman.

Sleeping on a schedule? I think there are few adults that can say they've sleep through the night, every single night, period. We all have insomnia once in a while. We all go to bed late because we want to hang out with friends or whatever. And you know what? I'll be bold enough to say that I'm not pleasant when I wake up. I'm just not. 

Staying quiet. I have friends in their 20s...30s...even 50 year olds that don't know the "appropriate time" to be quiet. So you expect a child, who doesn't fully comprehend language, and is figuring out their own voice to not use it? HA! So what do we do? We plug up their noise maker. Stick a pacifier in it. Done and done. 

Why? Why do we do these things? Doesn't it seem a little silly? Sometimes these things are handy, they're convenient for us adults certainly. But convenience aside, why do we put our kids through this stuff? It seems kind of silly, don't you think? 

And that's when I wish I was Amish. Things are so much simpler. Almost like back to the way nature was designed. But then I wouldn't have this computer to write this post now would I? ;)