Brad: Eli, is mommy fattening you up?
Eli: No! Mommy is NOT fat!
Me (gently sarcastic): Yeah Brad, geez!
Brad: Eli, is mommy pretty?
Eli: No! Mommy not!
Me: Well what am I Eli?
Eli (looking right in my eyes and with a serious voice): You're PERFECT.
You had better believe that I scooped that boy right up in a hug and wiped a tear or two from my eyes. He doesn't know that I've been struggling lately with doubts and discouragement about my own parenting; that I've been trying really hard to be a more patient and joyful mother; that I've been frustrated and worn out a lot. But apparently whatever I've been trying to do is good enough for him. Thanks for the pick-me-up Eli! Maybe 3 years old won't be so bad... =)
10 comments:
Cute! I have the sweetest nephew!
Ahhh - how precious! Okay, so
I think we all doubt ourselves in this parenting role at times! It can sure be hard to have patience when we just feel like we're at the end of our rope and would do anything for an hour or two of QUIET, ALONE, NAG FREE time! Well, that's ME anyways! :) So I completely understand feelings of inadequacy and guilt in this mommy role... YOU are such a good Mom, Jeanine! Don't feel bad for running out of patience and energy. I think that most of us probably don't act sugary and super sweet in those moments -- it sure is hard! Even our little ones seem understanding and they definitely return the favor of unconditional love that we pour out on them as shown by Eli's loving response. You ARE perfect in sweet Eli's eyes (and many others!) and at the end of the day that has to tell you how great you really are doing. What a touching reminder and what a cute, sweet story from a DARLING little boy!
*What a CUTE picture, too! :)
Love you, Jeanine! :) Wish you lived here so that we could have a kid-free, GNO!!! I'd LOVE ONE and I think we both deserve one - don't you??? :)
This brought a tear to my eye, too!
Oh, I couldn't have said it better, Eli! Jeanine, I tell others regularly about my wonderful friend Jeanine who inspires me. I probably ought to tell you just as much as I tell them. Just this week I was passing along things I learned from you to another friend. I think you are wonderful. And more importantly, Brad, Eli and Heavenly Father do to!
Having said that, hang in there with the discouragement. I'm right there with you. It's not easy to feel good about yourself. I guess that is Satan confirming that we're attempting to do what we're supposed to be doing. Blogging, or more specifically, reading other mom's blogs, really helps me when I'm discouraged. Thanks for sharing!
I have the perfect solution! Come for a visit. Bring the boys. Bring Brad. Or don't if he can't. I don't know how it could work, but it would do a wonder for both of us, I bet. I wish it could work...
This is one of those "OHHHHHH" stories. Thanks for sharing! I love the picture of him-what a cutie!!
Awwwwe, I LOVE IT!!!! What a sweet boy! I think as mommys we are harder on ourselves than anyone else, I have to keep reminding myself of this b/c I a guilty of it too!! You are a great mom Jeanine!!!
So cute. Babies love their mamas, and you seem like an extraordinary one from what I've read. But I know the feeling of self doubt. Motherhood doesn't always come with a lot of praise or immediate assurance that what you are doing is right. I'm a by-the-book sort of girl, and all growing up I had no trouble following the rules...I felt safe as long as I was within the guidelines outlined by someone else.
Motherhood for me has been a lesson in listening to myself, staying in tune with my kids, turning to the Lord, and then seeking advice from trusted sources as needed. Kids are naughty sometimes, moms go through slumps, and even the best plans sometimes end in frustration and failure. So you try something else...again.
You're obviously doing a lot right=)
Jeanine, you are indeed practically perfect!
As far as your kids, they're pretty special themselves. :)
Hang in there- I think you're an amazing mom!
Aren't those moments the ones that make all of the tough times worth it? He is so sweet!
That is so sweet! I would have been choked up myself!
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