Embrace the chaos.

There's a lot of unpredictability being a parent. You never know if it's going to be a fussy day or a happy day. You want to get out of the house, but you're afraid that they'll have a meltdown. But Hazel girl is teaching me to embrace the chaos. Every day is different, full of ups & downs and ins & outs, and I have to deal with the unknown and the wild when I'm raising a little life.

Moms are powerful.

Sometimes people tell me "oh look, she's mesmerized with her mama!" when Hazel is looking at me. I usually think to myself "no, she's just looking at someone who's nearby." - not really feeling like I'm that powerful. But when I think about my own mom, and how what she says affects me so much, what she says matters, what she does I watched all those years (and still do), I remember that moms are powerful. I'm not only the one who feeds and watches Hazel, but I'm also her mom. And that's a pretty big deal.

You worry too much.

Today Hazel had her 2-month check up and she got her shots. I was SO worried (read the risks and possible side effects when I shouldn't have). We prayed a lot, asked for prayer from friends and family, and went to the appointment like champs. My mom was with me (aka Grammacilla) and that helped, too. Hazel cried and had the saddest face I think I've ever seen - but when we got in the car she zonked out and was a good sleeper, calm as can be the rest of the day. I was so proud of my girl. She was tough as nails, and took it like a champ. I worry too much, don't I, Hazel?