Grumpy, Cranky Mommy!

Today I have been a grumpy, cranky mommy and I feel so bad. I don't know if its my last two weeks of pregnancy, the hot heat in Cali, my swollen ankles, the horrible and dreaded maternity clothes that I keep wearing over and over again...but my attitude needs to change. After daddy leaves for work, its always me and my little sunshine (aka Hailey-belle, boo, mamma's, muffin, chicken). I came across this poem and wanted to share it with all you out there. I think sometimes we forget how special these little spirits are and how lucky we are to have them. And that is why, as I see Hailey's life race past me, beyond me, away from me, I want to cling to every second of her childhood. And once again I restructure my life, prioritize what is important, and find balance-because I am not perfect. And I do get tired, and cranky, and impatient. And I do just want her to go to sleep, is it bedtime yet?

But regardless of everything, she is my world and always will be. I feel blessed that I am so trusted with Hailey and our soon to be here little duckling.

Once upon a time there was a child ready to be born. One day the little child asked God:"They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?" God answered him "Among the many angels, I chose one for you. She will be waiting for you and will take care of you." "But tell me," asked the child, "here in Heaven, I don't do anything else but sing and smile, that's enough for me to be happy." "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you every day. And you will feel your angel's love and be happy." God reassured him. "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me, if I don't know the language that men talk?" "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak." "And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you, Lord?" "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray." "I've heard that on earth there are bad men. Who will protect me?"Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life." "But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.""Your angel will always talk to you about me and will teach you the way for you to come back to me, even though I will always be next to you." At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from earth could already be heard, and the child in a hurry asked softly "Oh God, if I am about to leave now, please tell me my angel's name." "You will call your angel, Mother" - Author unknown

Rara Avis (Latin) n. Rare Bird

So I keep saying at each stage in Hailey's life that each stage is my favorite (minus the NO's, Mine and tantrums of falling on the floor). But, I think I'm really loving this stage in her life when she is learning so many different words and being able to sometimes hold a conversation with me in some weird language. Every time I look at her she amazes me. She learns things so quickly, is extremely smart, is too independent, and lives in a world of her own.

As you can tell by the title of the post she is my "Rara Avis." Its Latin and it means a rare or unique person or thing. She always is moving-NEVER stops, has no fear, and knows what she wants and goes for it. I feel lessons learned almost every day that I am around her.

And, a couple of my favorite things she says or does:

Gives me zurbits on my pregnant belly-and thinks its the most hilarious thing.

Without fail says hi and bye to our dog which she calls "hemamo" meaning brother in Spanish

"Elmo" means her juice (her sippy cups have Elmo on them)

Her favorite cartoons are "Pooh," "Ma"- for Handy Manny, and "Mi" - for Mickey Mouse

Her favorite movie is supposedly "Elmo" which really is "Nemo"..she can't grasp the name at all!

She loves watermelon, starburst, Kettle Barbecue chips, popcorn and gum...lucky me.

Loves pushing things, loves wearing mommy's shoes, loves the outdoors, and loves babies.

She gives me the phone and says "daddy" which means I need to call him so she can talk to him-which she does...again in her weird little language.

She says hi to everyone, says bye to the same person like 6 times, and always says "I want.."

I thought as kids got older it got easier, but motherhood is a challenge. And after a long, long day it all becomes worth it when for no reason at all, your child runs up to you, gives you a hug or kiss and says, "MOMMY!" Even after you've kind of been a meanie. I am amazed and blessed at the unconditional love Hailey has.