It’s official, I’m old. I’m now 28. I woke up stiff and achy, and I’m pretty sure I felt my metabolism die. So in celebration, we decided to pack up the troops and head out on an adventure!
EM and I love calling our random weekend exploring an adventure. It gets the boys excited and we love seeing the look of wonder in their eyes. D.C. being one of my favorite cities was the perfect place to go!
Bastian had been asking to see a T-Rex for, Lord only knows how long, and since there aren’t many of those just meandering about, we figured he’d lose his little three-year old shiz if we went to the Museum of Natural History. So off we went!
He couldn’t get enough! Even asking to see a “baby T-Rex”. I’ll get right on that!
I love seeing these two explore the world together! Theo has reached a new level of fun. The one where he has to copy everything his brother does. Whether it be pitching a fit and spitting (yeah that’s lovely!) or getting super excited about the dinos, which is basically the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. #imsmitten
I know everyone is expecting – well Shakespeare in this post, after all I am quite the wordsmith – but mom brain and waking up at 5am is taking over, so here are some pretty pictures! Enjoy! Back to my coffee! *chug chug*
And because we are a classy lot – we stop and sniff our shoes before walking into mass. After all, who doesn’t?
Super cute bag – Mama Martina – Alex Diaper Bag
Ok – I might have lied, the coffee is kicking in and I suddenly have something to say.
*Insert mom rant*
Dear Adults,
Let’s talk about kids in church, shall we. Any parent who takes their kids (especially toddlers) to church should get an award! Why? Because having to corral a tiny person who has close to zero self-awareness is no easy feat. Let alone trying to keep them remotely quiet. So, when you see a parent manage to get to church on time, and manage to keep their kids in a pew, let alone quite, (bar the occasional giggle) don’t turn around and glare at them because their almost two-year old grazed your shoulder.
Now this isn’t about said possible person, but about all people who have done similar things. Speaking for myself, if my child were to hit someone, or pull someone’s hair (even on accident) I would immediately apologize for my child and correct that child. However, if they accidentally graze your shoulder as they try to hold on to the pew and not fall off of the kneeler, I would assume (clearly I shouldn’t) that an adult would let it go.
If you see a mother or father who are trying to raise their child/children in a faith they/you both believe in, please don’t make it even more difficult by giving them dirty looks because their child is acting their age.
How about adults act like adults and realize that they are the ones called to behave better than the 2 or 3-year-old who wiggles in their seat.
Do these adults forget that they too were once a child? That they were probably a wiggly toddler? Yet those that really cook my grits, are those that have older kids with them. HELLO!!!!! You were in their shoes not long ago! How about giving that parent with the younger kids a friendly smile of solidarity. Parenting is hard. Guess who feels worse at church when said toddler acts up…the mom and dad! Why? Because not only are they trying to pay attention and can’t, but they are trying to teach their child how to behave while also trying to fend off stares and judgment from those that should extend a little bit of grace.
Now there are many times that my kids have behaved like straight up heathens for one reason or another, not a failure to try on our part – but newsflash, they’re toddlers – and yet sometimes a gentle soul still complimented us on how well they behaved, for their age. To those people thank you! Thank you for reminding me that kids are kids and that our Amazing God created them in this way. To be wiggly, to ask questions, and to sometimes let out an inappropriate yell when it might not be convenient for we adults. He said “let the children come to Me” not teach them to shut up or keep them home.
So while teaching a child how to behave in different situations is part of raising that child, adults extending some grace and understanding, should be part of well – adulting. If you don’t know what to say, just smile. That smile could turn a mothers worry and doubt into a sense of accomplishment. That while things are hard now, she will get through it. She is doing a good job, and that it isn’t all in vain.
In the end we don’t know why a child is behaving the way they are, we don’t know why the parents are reacting the way they are, so benefit of the doubt, no matter the setting is greatly appreciated.
Signed,
Tired, but trying, mom!
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