overcoming mommy guilt: a little moment with a lot of love.
As we were lying in bed last night, I confessed to Jonny that sometimes I don’t feel like a good enough mom. I love our little guy beyond words, and sometimes I feel like he deserves more.
That I should do more.
Create more learning activities. Make healthier food. Be more organized. The list goes on.
Like the awesome husband (and dad) that he is, Jonny reminded me that the best thing I can do for Joseph is ensure that he knows he is loved.
That by just doing our best to love, we are doing OK.
Serving more vegetables and creating a learning environment is great, but so are cuddles and hugs and high-fives and reminding your child that you love him, no matter what.
I fell asleep praying that above all else, I would radiate love. That Joseph would feel and know unconditional love.
This morning, our little two-year-old was watching Thomas the Train in the living room as I got ready in our room. I was putting on my shirt when Joseph threw open the door and tromped into the room. (Still working on boundaries.)
He saw my bare tummy, and playfully smacked it. I looked at him and said, “Oh, Joseph! Remember the baby! Where’s the baby?”
“Baby?” he asked, looking around the room.
“Remember,” I said, placing his chubby hand on my tummy, “there’s a baby growing in Mommy’s tummy.”
His big brown eyes looked up at me, and I could see his gears moving.
He took a moment, and leaned over, grasping his hands around my waist.
And then he planted the sweetest, softest, and longest kiss on my little bump.
At that moment, I could feel nothing but his love.
And at that moment, I knew that he knew he was loved.
Because when you know you’re loved, love flows through you.
He’s going to be a great big brother.
