What a six months! I like to recap our journey as Leave it to Mama grows in the setting that all Mamas can relate - pregnancy (see previous Post 13 weeks). We just made 25 weeks and it’s pretty amazing. LeavitittoMama.com has finished fetal development and we are heading to the final trimester. We are working on several new projects and cannot wait to share with our Mama community!

Since beginning our journey, we’ve celebrated our birthdays along with the husbands’ and all 5 kids; in addition to, my sister’s wedding, our grandfather’s 86th birthday and both Mother’s & Father’s day.  I’ve started several home renovations including a home gym, office and toddler room. Painting rooms and repurposing furniture were my summer thrills. Concurrently, my sister had her dream wedding, completed summer school and is heading back to school today along with her four year old. Time sure does fly when you are a MOM.

Terrible Twos

In the midst of my DIY renegade, I’ve spent time with my precious daughter. Her communication skills are growing by leaps and bounds. The best times are those when we have a debate:

Me: Put the toys away.

2: No Mom. I’m playing.

Me: (silence)

2: Thank you for listening, Mom.

I’ve noticed when I pause before speaking, she assumes I’ve been convinced of her ways. How peculiar. Yes, I’m a first time Mama. I find tons of things peculiar, which keeps me on my toes. I use the term ‘on my toes’ in hindsight. In the heat of the battle I’m offended and I find it annoying.

My little girl’s favorite phrases are:

1. You look fabulous.
2. Thank you for listening.
3. Nevermind.
4. Hashtag rude.

The most disturbing being the hashtag statement. I’m certain I’ve said the other phrases- but speaking in hashtags is not a part of my dialogue. Especially, when I know she is recording very syllable!

Each family gathering has turned into another place for the smallest children to battle for their THEIR toys, games or clothing. It’s a struggle. Before we get out of the car, I have to reiterate the rules - no hitting, no pushing and no biting. Last Saturday, they started slapping one another so we added no slapping to the rule book. They love each other so much but once they feel violated there’s no turning back. Luckily, we’ve figured out their patterns and can identify when they need time apart.

Circus Acts

Life as a Mama, wife, auntie, sister and friend definitely has its ups and downs. I struggle to ensure all parties are safe, nurtured and secure; which brought me to the idea that seeking balance may not be the best idea. In the circus, you have a tightrope walker, trapeze artist and juggler. I am most like the juggler – I prefer to have more than one thing to manage. The more unique the item, the easier it is for me to determine a rhythm. I also get a moment to hold each. Balancing on a rope leaves my mind to wander and flying through the air wouldn’t allow my mind to wander enough. SMH.

I’ve noticed other Mamas taking the trapeze and tight rope route. One requires soaring from task to task in an effortless fashion – having faith in the execution and starting over, if necessary. The others (tight ropers) are skilled, in that, they are very in tune with every movement and are unaffected by their surroundings – unless distracted.

The love for our children is what brought us together. We are different acts in the same circus (Motherhood). Joining forces maintains sanity in my world where juggling a knife, washer machine, toddler, iron and computer is the standard.

If you were to describe your Mama-isms as a circus act – which would it be?

I haven't blogged in quite some time! Luckily, my amazing sister has provided updates and magnificent blog posts in my absence. As you know, I got married in June, it was a beautiful day! Fast forward to now - I am taking four classes while maintaining my household and staying home with my two year old. My daughter attends a dual language pre-k.  She is making leaps and bounds in her knowledge. My stepdaughter is in second grade this year and my stepson is in sixth grade. Things around our house are always hectic!

I am still working on potty training my son. He is making advances but we still have not passed the milestone of poop in the potty. My daughter is having trouble sleeping at night lately. She is four going on twelve. Her mind doesn't slow  when it is time to go to sleep. I have tried many things but so far nothing seems to be working. 

I am still on my path of trying to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals we ingest and use on our skin daily. I finally made some homemade sunblock and I have to say I am thrilled with it! I have been juicing as much as possible as well. I also have been taking a yoga class once a week.

The hour of time where I can focus solely on myself has been amazing! I was starting to feel overwhelmed and I found myself just wishing that I could have just a tiny bit of time where no one was asking me for anything, where I wasn't breaking up a fight, or making what felt like the tenth meal of the day. I felt guilty for wanting to be away from my family. After taking this time I realize that it is beneficial for my family, if I have some time away to refresh. I have found that I am now a more patient mama. 

In addition to the yoga class, I have a statistics class twice a week; which has also given me a bit more time outside of the house. Interacting with other adults and being out of the house is such a new thing for me! Sometimes I feel like I fumble my words a little bit. I think being home all day with a toddler can do that to anyone. So far this semester I have three A's and a C. I'm hoping to pull off all A's and B's. I have nine more classes ahead of me before I graduate with my bachelor's. I couldn't more excited!

Now that I'm not planning a wedding and my life has settled down (as much as it ever could with four kids and a husband) expect to see more blogs from me! We would love to hear from you also!

What do you do to wind down and relax? How is the school year going for your kids so far?