Sometimes all it takes is a little bubble wrap to keep these little hands busy. It always amazes me how little they need to be happy. When Sloan was little I thought she needed tons of toys to keep her happy. Many hours of her young life were spent in front of the television, thinking that would keep her happy. I really didn't know how to be a parent back then. Looking back I feel so sad that I missed out on so much with her. Since having Zoe & Aris I have tried to do things differently. Although I am not a perfect parent by any means, I am way more comfortable being a mom now than I used to be. I feel more at ease allowing my kids to pop bubble wrap or make animals with their food. I understand the importance of playing in dirt & exploring. I don't mind if they want to play mermaid in the tub for two hours. I realize that most stains will come out with a little spray-n-wash. If they don't oh well. I relish the fact that my kids would much rather me play with them for even a short time than to get a new fancy toy or watch a television program. I wish I could turn back the clock & do things over with Sloan. Better. I guess these are the regrets we earn as parents. After all none of my kids have come with instructions yet. All I can do is keep praying that tomorrow I'm a better mother to my girls than I was today. Maybe, just maybe, I can look back when I am old and grey & not feel those pangs in my heart. The pain of, "If I had just done this or that, I missed out on so much!" I hope I never feel that way. So until then I plan on soaking it all up, even the moments of popping bubble wrap.
