What?
Don’t laugh.
Don’t click away because you think I’ve all of a sudden come up with some sense of insane narcissism and arrogance.
Because I haven’t. I’m just stating the truth. Remember, I’m all about the truth. About being REAL. About laying it all out there and not being afraid to talk about things that other people don’t want to talk about.
Like this. Like the fact that I really am the perfect parent.
And whether you believe it or not, SO ARE YOU.
You remember being told that “you can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family?” (Or something to that extent.) I’m starting to realize and acknowledge just how true and important that little bit of information is.
The past two weeks have been chaotic for me. Despite the wonderful lessons I tried to take from Mandi’s tips on balancing life as a WAHM, I have found myself completely and totally overwhelmed and rundown. Granted, I got my work done (last night, actually) for the week, I washed all of the clothes (even if they aren’t folded) and my family has had some sort of home-cooked meal every night this week (so what if they were from the crock-pot?).
I found myself wondering out loud some days, “How am I going to manage another child?!” We’re still actively trying to have another baby, despite last months circumstances. And I’ve really got my fingers crossed that this month is it for us. My best friend back in Alabama and her husband are trying for their second, and I found out the other day that another friend of mine just got a positive HPT. How fun it would be to be pregnant with two of my greatest friends….
But, despite the excitement and the joy that I would feel (and am hoping to feel soon!), if every week was like these past two weeks, I would probably lose my mind. I’ve raised my voice, gotten angry, been rude to my husband, screamed (yes, SCREAMED) at my child. Needless to say, I have played the role of mean mommy and un-loving wife too many times in the last 14 days.
And I don’t like it.
(I’m sure you’re probably still reading this wondering where on EARTH I get that I’m a perfect parent. Don’t worry…I’m getting there.)
But last night I realized something…
While sitting at my computer, putting the final touch on the last project I’m doing this week, feeling guilty for not being upstairs snuggled in bed next to my husband and for screaming at my child twice today (even though he was misbehaving and being extremely ugly…I could have dealt with it a little better)…I realized:
Despite all of my downfalls….
Despite all of my shortcomings…
Despite the hundreds of times I fail at motherhood and marriage every. single. day….
I am the perfect parent.
For MY son.
Maybe not for yours. Maybe not for anyone else’s kid out there.
But for my son, for my little boy…
I am everything he needs.
I know his weaknesses and his strengths. I know what every cry means; whether they are real or fake. I know the cure to every boo-boo and bad dream. I can fix anything with a hug and a kiss. I understand his “dialect” better than anyone else. I can decode words and sentences like I’ve been trained by the CIA. I know HIM and I know what HE needs.
Because I’m his mommy.
I might not get it all right. I may let him eat M&M’s and chill in front of the TV too many hours a day while I work. I might give him cake batter and chocolate. I may laugh at the mischievous and sneaky things he does, when I should be implementing some sort of “disciplinary measures.” I might let him climb on furniture, jump off of said furniture, or run around and play in the dirt.
But at the end of the day, no one (and I really and sincerely mean NO ONE) could take care of my son better than me.
And that, makes me the perfect parent.
About Courtney
Awesome post! I’m glad I’m not the only one who yells..lol Here’s to hoping you get your BFP =)
Crisc recently posted..Parachute Activity
Thank you, Crisc!! Glad to know I’m not the only yelling mama out there!
I love this and you’re so right! I feel bad sometimes that I look forward to the day my Little Man will be entertained by the TV (for more than 2 seconds) so that I can get work done during the day and not stay up until 1:00 every morning but I know that even if he does sit in front of the TV, he’s loved, he’s taken care of, he’s happy….that’s all that matters
. I know you’ve been stressed this week but take the weekend off and enjoy some relaxation (do not re-design your website tonight, I repeat, DO NOT). LOL.
Jessica recently posted..Comment on I need your help! by Courtney @ The Mommy Matters
Oops….totally did NOT follow your advice. But I have to admit that designing something for ME without the pressure of satisfying a client was relaxing and enjoyable. Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
Good for you! Ultimately, once we as WAHMs find the right balance, we teach our children lessons on hard work. We give them reasons to be proud.
My balance will arrive with a cup of steaming, hot coffee Monday morning when school begins. Thank you sweet baby Jesus and his little lamb!
Carey recently posted..our first learned sign was french Fries ~ Part II
I couldn’t agree more. Being a WAHM is going to allow me to show my son that you CAN enjoy a successful career and a family if you put in the time to figure out how to balance it. I’m also anticipating more of a balance between work and home with the little guy starts preschool in a few months. I’ll be able to sit and do much more work in a consistent time frame.
Now this is the kind of parenting post I love. So true, and of course the absolutely awesome photos don’t hurt either!
Branson recently posted..Vintage Flower Friday
Haha! Thanks Branson!
So happy that you liked it!
While not a parent yet myself – this is really inspiring girl. You always have a way of breaking down walls and being real. I love that about you!
Ashley Sisk recently posted..Mushrooms
Thank you, Ashley! Being real is such a priority for me, so it always means so much to hear someone say that they get that vibe from my writing.
Twitter: naptimemomtog
says:
Courtney I love this post. It is sooo very true. Amazing really. Thanks for sharing and it makes me feel better.
Sarah recently posted..If you’re not getting really messy painting,
Thank you, Sarah! I’m glad I could boost your spirits a little bit! You are such a great mom! Don’t ever doubt it!
Awesome. And thanks for the shout out!
I realized something similar last year too. I realized that I am a terrible parent and left alone I make bad choices and get very overwhelmed. But I realized that I also messed up in life too. I couldn’t do a good job in life… if I could then there wouldn’t be any need for the Cross. Jesus’ work on the Cross shows me that I have failed to be perfect. I’m not sure why I never carried that over into motherhood. I need the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in every area of my life. Only by allowing Him to work through me will I be able to be a good parent. Once I realized that, it was like a huge weight was lifted off of me. I can’t screw my kid up if I am depending on God!
Mandi recently posted..Exciting News!
I think I remember a post you wrote about that…about letting God show you and lead you in how to parent Maddy. But you said it so perfectly: I can’t screw up my child when I’m depending on God! He’s the perfect parent!
Absolutely!! I would only add that, in addition to being the perfect parent for MY child, SHE is the PERFECT CHILD – for ME.
Praying that this is the month for you too!
I am not a WAHM (I couldn’t do it, and totally admire that you can!), but I still have those panicky “How in the world am I going to do this with 2 children?!” moments! 
Veronica @ A Quiet Heart recently posted..Modesty Makes A Comeback
I could NOT agree more!! While I love children, and most of my friends children, I couldn’t imagine having to raise any of them. My son and I go together perfectly. LOL And I was having panicky “how am I going to do this with two kids?!” moments even before I started working from home. I’m sure I’ll learn to juggle it…eventually. Ha!
I really needed this today. I agree…I’m the perfect parent for my kiddo. No one else can tell me how to parent HER, because they aren’t raising her. Their kids are different and every situation is different. You’re doing a fantastic job, mommy! Praying this is the month for you!!
kk @ the mom diggity recently posted..can i get that to go?
Awww, so happy that this brought a little encouragement your way! You too are doing a GREAT job with your beautiful little girl! And I’m so eager and excited for your new baby to arrive!
I agree! There’s so much pressure on parents to try to be perfect, when in reality, we already are!
I’m a new follower! Check out my blog if you get a chance, too! http://mybossisteething.com
And let me know if you’d be interested in exchanging links or buttons on each other’s blogrolls.
Jen at My Boss is Teething recently posted..Where Can I Buy a Suit for a Toddler?
Hi, Jen! Thanks for subscribing! I’m looking forward to getting to know you and visiting your site, as well!
Twitter: mommakiss
says:
This makes SO much sense to me. My ways are not everyone’s ways. But they work for us.
So happy you could connect and identify with this post! We have to make our own ways…ways that work for OUR families!
Love it! I totally agree with you!
Kathryn recently posted..Makeup Tips & Products I Love
Thanks, Kathryn!
I absolutely, 100 percent agree. No one does it better than Mommy. You are the chosen one to raise him – - the one he cherishes and the one who will always put his best interest first. Loved reading this post.
Rachelle recently posted..Six Word Fridays: Unexpected Present
Thank you, Rachelle!
This is such a lovely post! And I think it’s so true. We are all so far from perfect but we provide so much for our families. Particularly those of us who are trying to balance everything and work from home and be everything for everybody. I think we all deserve a pat on the back
I couldn’t agree more. We ALL deserve one giant pat on the bag and a huge piece of chocolate for all of our hard work.
Twitter: envoutant
says:
Grwat post…I think you’re exactly right! And hoping a positive for you this month! I know waiting is SO hard.
Austin-Lee recently posted..Characteristically Random
Thank you, Austin! The waiting game is definitely NOT my strong suite!
Twitter: ccnoffi
says:
Very cute pics ad very real post! Hope you find some balance soon!
Courtney recently posted..iPhoneography
Thanks love! Same to you! I know you’re stretched about as far as you can go, too!
so very true, it seems like when I get down on myself my kids come up with something nice to say and i realize that in my blessings eyes I am what they need
Trooppetrie recently posted..Happy Anniversary!
You are so right! And they love you no matter what!
Such an awesome post. It’s so true! I need to remember that more often.
You should link this up with us on Just.Be.Enough. We’ve got a campaign going on to support breast cancer patients right now and this one would be a perfect fit. http://www.justbeenough.com/be-enough-me-figting-for-cancer/
Ohh, thanks for the notice, Robin! I linked up last week but totally forgot this week! Heading over in a few to add this post!
So glad to know I’m not the only one who is a screamer! Some days I feel that I could have handled things differently, but like you said, at the end of the day I know I am the perfect parent for my three kiddos! Great post!!!
Oh no. You are definitely not the only one, unfortunately. I know that I could always stand to handle those kind of situations better, but sometimes, it just doesn’t happen.
Oh Courtney!!! This is such a powerful post!!! Keeping my fingers crossed for you on the HPT. I am so glad you linked up to Just.Be.Enough!
Thank you so much, Elena!
Absolutely! What a wonderful sentiment, and oh my goodness, he is too adorable for words. Good luck with the HPT
Thank you, Angela!
So happy you stopped by!
I love this! It brought a tear to my eye! Thanks for being so real and open about your parenting in this post.
Erika recently posted..Lazy Christmas Tree Bread
Thank you, Erika! Parenting is hard, but stepping back and realizing that my son was given to ME because I am the best one to parent him is SO eye-opening!
What a cutie pie! This is such a great reminder. In all the negativity that is out there surrounding the ‘best’ parenting methods, all parents need a reminder of this every now and then. Thanks!
Leslie recently posted..{Recipes} Macaroni & Cheese
Thank you, Leslie! Society has such backwards ideas of what is and isn’t good for our kids. I hope that more moms start to realize that they are good enough just by loving their children.
Wonderful post and boy is that kid handsome! Visiting from SITS and looking forward to reading more of your stuff. I have two sweet boys myself (twelve and nine).
Louise Ducote recently posted..Brotherly Love
Aww, thank you! I think so, too! Looking forward to getting to know you! Thank you for stopping by to share my SITS day!
Very nice and very true. I’m amazed and tickled because of all the good things and happy, happy childhood things my kids remember. Somehow the times I was a beast Mom have escaped their recall.
Barbara recently posted..Liebster Blog Award?
Haha!! I think we are all scary mom’s at some point or another. But, like you said, it’s the good and happy moments that our kids tend to remember. And if I can bring my son up to know that he’s loved and remember moments of laughter and excitement, then I’ve done my job.
So true – I have a 20 and a 15 year old and am now mothering a little one (age 3) again, after all these years – one would think I’d be “laid back” and all “been there done that” but nope. And I, too, firmly believe that we ARE the best mommies for OUR children. You said it so well – so happy to have found you through SITS!
Thank you, Sheri! I couldn’t agree more! I know that my son was chosen for me just as much as I was chosen for him.
Beautiful post. The only perfect parent I can be in just me. What a great reminder.
Congrats on your SITS day.
Thank you, Jen! I couldn’t agree more!
You sound like every other parent/person out there so yes you are perfect.
Marie Cole recently posted..Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Marie!
100% spot on! Thanks for our honesty and willingness to speak this truth! Such an encouragement!
morgan recently posted..Time-Warp Wednesday ~ Thankfulness
Really lovely.
Sarah recently posted..My Night Wearing Hot Pants
Thank you, Sarah!
Thanks for telling me I’m the perfect mom – I usually am in the running for “bad mom of the year” . It happens when you have teenagers!
Leslie, the cleaning coach recently posted..A Simple "Cocktail" That Removes Ink
Haha. I remember being a teenager. And I also remember that my mom wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought she was. Hang in there. Your kids will realize just how awesome you are and that you were only looking out for them in time.
M & M’s? Yeah, you definitely sound like an awesome parent!!
Justine Duppong @ Life With Cheeseburgers recently posted..“This Shouldn’t Be Healthy” Eggplant Bake Recipe
Haha! THanks Justine! Apparently my son thinks so too!
Thanks for this post. Instead of running myself down when I fumble, I realize that I’m just perfect for my kids!
Dr_fomsky recently posted..Baby teeth: when is too late?
Yes you are!! Don’t ever second guess yourself! We all have bad moments, but our kids were given to us for a reason.
LOVE this post…so, so true! Thanks for sharing your blog. I’m off to read more!
Thank you, Jamie!! Looking forward to getting to know you!
When I had my first child, I constantly second-guessed everything I did as a parent. With my second child, the anxiety was replaced by confidence earned with the first. But that doesn’t mean that all of the second-guessing went away. It still rears its ugly head on a weekly basis or upon a judgement issued by some nasty relative or even worse, someone who doesn’t have kids! Reading this post helps confirm that all that second-guessing is a waste of time.
By the way, I love the design of your header and site. Clean and calm…
Mommy Crib Notes recently posted..Easy Cold-Weather Menu
Thank you! I remember a lot of second guessing during the early stages of my sons life. Even though he’s only three, I’m finding that reminding myself that we (my son and I) were put together for a reason, really helps me to see the perspective that no one else could be his mom. And no one else could be my son. I don’t think the anxiety ever really goes away, but learning to accept our role as their parents makes it easier.
You know, every mom should embrace this thought. It is one I could have greatly used during my first son’s childhood that I am now embracing for my second son’s. Note they are 16 years apart. Yep, number two was a surprise and a blessing.
Great post, and by golly have the best Sits day ever.
Pam recently posted..Holiday Clean-Up Challenge Day 3 Wipeout Wednesday
Thank you, Pam! I agree. I wish more moms embraced this thought.
You are so right! No one could take better care of my children than my husband and I do. The same goes for your children. Some days they make me crazy but I wouldn’t trade this job for any other!
You and me both! My son (and husband, at that) drives me nuts sometimes, but I wouldn’t trade HIM or motherhood for anything!
Happy SITS Day! I see how you have so much energy… 1 child… I used to be that way before I had 4. I agree that you are the best parent for your child. I think God gives us those that we need and that need us. We all have strengths and weaknesses and different children will give us those trials we need to grow into a better person. It IS hard, no matter if we have 1 or 4. It doesn’t matter how many you have. I wish you the best in having as many children as you desire. Each one is a blessing!
Caren with a “C” recently posted..Holiday Season Basics – Cookies
Thank you Caren (with a C)! I agree. And as far as having energy? I don’t think it’s that I have anymore energy than you…I just let things (like laundry) slide…that way I can work. Ha. Ask my husband. He gets REALLY tired of digging socks and underwear out of the pile of clothes in our bedroom. Haha.
What a beautiful and honest post! I love it! It reminds me of my own mom and how well she understood my nuances when I was little ….
Thank you! THis makes me think of my mom, too.
Weird, I don’t know why the top of my comment (above) says “making sure you aren’t a bot.” I’m not!
Oh well, I guess there are worse things to be mistaken for ….
Kennedi Rose @ Face and Fitness recently posted..Top 5 Ways to Get Great Skin on a Budget
Haha! I’m not sure why it showed up that way…sometimes random comments get thrown into my Spam Filter or moderation. Even from people who comment frequently. Sorry about that!
Why, yes. I did actually drop an F-bomb on my five-year-old last week. He completely deserved it, because he was rubbing his own poop on the wall, but it was not my finest parenting moment. I still think I rock as his mom, though. For all the reasons you mentioned as to why you are a perfect parent to your son.
Thanks for sharing.
Tricia O. recently posted..How to: Easy spaghetti squash recipe
Oh no!! Gross! I think I’ve dropped the F-Bomb on my son before, too. No shame. It happens to all of us. And so long as you know that you rock, that’s what matters.
You know, you are absolutely right! Don’t you love it when that happens?
Hope you’ve had a wonderful SITS day!!
The Lucky Wife recently posted..Day 25 of The 100-Day Countdown to Christmas
Haha! YES!
THank you!
Awesome post! I think we would all do well to accept that are all imperfect, but we ARE the perfect parent for our child as we can love them like no other!
Successful Woman’s Resource Center recently posted..Clearing clutter to make way for gifts
I agree. I know that I’m not perfect and never claim to be. But for my son…for my husband…I am perfect for THEM. And they are perfect for me.
Thank you! I know you’re stretched about as far as you can go, too! While I love children, and most of my friends children, I couldn’t imagine having to raise any of them. Such an awesome post.
Tania Lewis recently posted..Cancer Tattoos Tumblr