Growing Pains

I was fairly happy with who I am. I had learned to accept my weaknesses and embrace my strengths. Then parenthood happened. Suddenly, who I am is not enough. Parenthood is forcing me to grow and stretch in ways that are not always comfortable or wanted. When people say that becoming a parent changes you, they are absolutely correct. But don't necessarily think that this change is always fun or exciting, just bloody necessary! So here's to the changes forged by parenthood, may they serve my children well. Bring on the pain...

Health Care

My little girl had a health scare. Thanking God that she is alright, but still worried about the long-term effects of my decisions regarding her health. Reminding myself not to brood, and that I am making the best decisions that I can. By the time my babies reach adulthood they might have some emotional issues, but at least they will be functional members of society and (I hope) relatively happy.I think that's the goal of this whole enterprise, hmm? My goal is to cause no damage that can't be addressed with a little therapy and friendship! And with the booming pharmaceutical industry, I'm sure there will be drugs that they can take for whatever lingering effects - perceived or real - of my poor parenting!

Back in Middle School

Apparently, I am in 6th grade again! How did this occur? Well, as a parent of a sixth grader, I am required to help with all types of projects and to help my precious (but not so studious) child prepare for the many tests that are a part of the middle school curriculum. As a result, her study schedule is MY study schedule. Her projects are MY projects. Let me tell you, going back is not fun! The saddest, silliest part of this situation is how vested I am in the resulting grade! So much so, that the results affect my mood! Highs for good grades, terrible lows for the disappointing ones. Hum, I have my own stuff! Don't need the kids' stuff effecting my mood too! So why am I am constantly checking the online grade posting system to see what I got! Of course, somehow, that "A" or that "F" is more than just a grade on a test; it is a parenting grade! No matter how illogical that thought is, this is how it seems. So there you have it...their stuff becomes your stuff...and there seems to be no getting away from that fact. But, I'm working on it. For now, off to see what grades I received today!