you do you

My beautiful friend Sarah invited me to join a group of mamas and talk about what we as parents do to take of ourselves. Of course I immediately said yes!!! And then proceeded to be super-late with my post. Lol.

I’m so sorry Sarah!! For those of you who are new here, I’m Kate, former Air Force pilot, mama of three, lover of pretty things and pretentious pets. I don’t think I’m any expert at how to take care of myself? For a long time I really didn’t. I carried a ton of mom guilt just trying to be the mom I felt I ‘should be’. Meanwhile, soul dying inside. I was trying to keep the house up, stay on top of kid’s activities, drs, a husband who would be gone randomly (military life). One day when the kids were really little he left for 21 days with I think 6 hours notice. I almost died! I just could not be that perfect mom. I smiled and did everything but I’d cry sitting behind the kitchen island so the neighbours couldn’t see me.

So you want to know how I survived? You do you. That’s it. I threw in the towel and decided that I would just do my best. Do the important things first but not worry so much if everything is perfect. You know those judgey people we lose sleep over? Frig them. Let them go. While discussing GMO, organic, free range…. Say things like ‘Oh my, that is a lovely tip.’ And then give your kid the can of soda and burger you brought in your purse because it’s that day and it’s totally OK. I do my best when and where I can, but I’m not going to lose sleep over it. I don’t care, or at least I try not to. I’m letting go of the parent I thought I was supposed to be, and am just being the parent I am. Be loving, and silly, skip washing dishes and play. True story, they will still be there tomorrow. Have a glass of wine while you’re nursing, google it, I’m not judging. Eat grilled cheese 3 meals a day, 3 days in a row. You do you.

Today I wore kitty ears, tulle and red lipstick. No reason other than it brought me joy. I injured my neck a few years ago and I really can’t do all the things I want. I’m adapting and I do what I can, I bought store made cupcakes last year!!! Shock! I know it. I love to bake but I just did not have it in me. You know who complained about store bought cupcakes? Not one single kid! So there you have it my loves. Do you, be free,and it will all work out beautifully. (I mean, Lily still threw a sh$t fit and laid in the doorway this morning. I just opened the door and sang, she’ll get up sometime).