let's be real

i have been noticing on a few of the blogs i read this new movement to be "pro-mom" instead of pro- this or pro-that and to move away from judging moms to supporting and loving moms who are doing their best.

It is easy with facebook, and blogging, and other social networking to see the "perfect aspects" of your friends and family.

the....

"my 6 week old is sleeping through the night"

"little so-and-so already knows her A-B-C's .... in FRENCH!"

"my house is always perfectly clean, organized, and I always have fresh-baked cookies on hand"

It's easy to get caught up in comparisons. Not only that, but along with coping with keeping up with other children there is also trying to make sure your child is succeeding according to "the book". I think first time mom's really get sucked into this - worrying when their child doesn't hit every milestone right on time. Or if their child doesn't do things by the book

i will be honest. it is an easy thing to do. and i am tempted.

lucky for me i have a mom who raised 5 kids who all did things completely differently and who keeps reminding me that babies are UNIQUE.

so here's me being real!

- I have a wonderful baby. To be honest he is a very content baby and I think he's perfect. But we aren't doing things totally by-the-book around here!!

- Levi breastfeeds for 10 minutes tops (according to the book - at this age is should be 20-30 minutes. but he is growing like mad and getting enough. He's just a fast eater)

- We put him to sleep on his side (i know ... against the rules)

- He has a soother

- He's 7 weeks and doesn't smile much... it's coming. But not QUITE there!

- Being laid up and having to nurse sometimes i just let him sleep with me

- We are planning on cloth-diapering and making our own baby food

so maybe those aren't the most SHOCKING revelations....

but side sleeping, soother-using, bed sharing, cloth diapers and milestone achievements are decisions that people have very different opinions about.

And that's OKAY.

We are good moms.

We are good moms because we LOVE OUR BABIES

We are good moms because we are doing what works for us and our families.

Happy mom = Happy Baby (and let's be honest.... happy dad!!)