Raising Twins Archives - Page 2 of 12

Patience of a Paleontologist

September 9, 2014 By: mamagrace7122 Comments

That, I don’t have!

“I didn’t have patience…until I had children”

How often do we hear that?

Buying the twinions a fossil digging kit each, that great virtuous trait was tested yet again.

What was supposed to be a fun indoors activity to break the boredom from the rainy weather, initially brought tears and tantrums.

Then, the boys started getting upset.

Seriously though, despite the boxes marked “For ages 6 +”, it’s missing a vital disclaimer for parents to take deep breaths in preparation for the endless obligatory hammering and flying fine pieces of rock.

I started doing a couple of taps into the stubborn mould when the impatient wails started:

“Waaaahhh!!! I wanna find the paleontologist! Mama! Where’s the paleontologist???!!! It’s NOT THERE!!!”

The assertive mother in me could’ve corrected them to say that they were in fact digging for ‘fossils’. Then ironically, reasoning took over reminding me that no amount of reasoning would help calm them down. Besides, I think I was too impressed by their ability to now pick up 6 syllabic words: Pal-e-on-to-lo-gist.

There was no other choice but to just keep digging.

Keep. Digging. Damnit.

Almost two hours later we finally came across our first (synthetic) bone. Yee friggin’ ha!

Patience 2

As I tried to appease my little boys, risking repetitive strain injury due to the constant hammering, it became very clear to me that palaeontology was a very boring science, if a science at all.

There. I said it. Let the Ross Gellars of this world strike me down with the gigantic foot of a diplodocus.

You watch. While dinosaurs are extinct and have no chance of getting me, I know karma will.

One day, the boys will come home not wanting to be something cool like a rock star or a back up dancer for Selma Gomez (or whoever the cutie diva will be at that time) but instead have aspirations and dreams to dig bones.

Whoever said having patience pays off, have yet to buy a fossil finding kits for dinosaur obsessed twinions.

How has this parenting gig taught you patience? Did you have much of it pre-children? What do your children aspire to be at the moment?

Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT

Did you like this? Share it:

My Family Lens: Breaking Away from a Best Friend

August 12, 2014 By: mamagrace7130 Comments

Those who follow me on Instagram and Facebook may have noticed a number of photos with the hashtags #myfamilylens and #voicesof2014. These photos are part of the Olympus Sponsor Challenge that I’m participating through Kidspot Voices of 2014.

The criteria is to publish 3 posts based on certain prompts, with this first one based on ‘Best Friend’

Below is also a brief section about the Olympus OM-D E-M10 and how I captured special moments with it.

**********

Striking a conversation with another mum of twins the other day, she asked me, “Which one has let go?”

Not quite understanding her question, she expanded to say, “You know, when one twin finally lets go of the bond and starts making his own friends. Usually it’s the twin that you least expect.”

This was all news to me.

“So, your twins aren’t the best of friends?”

“No. Not at all,” she shrugged.

Looking back at my pregnancy everyone – family, friends, doctors and nurses – assumed my twins would be each other’s best friend.

Just some unduly pressure for two little unborn individuals.

Isn’t it a sibling’s right to freely express whatever they feel? Indulge in a bit of rough and tumble?

Obviously, constant companionship has given them a head start. It’s a journey of life discoveries and milestones that, for whatever freaky genetic workings, they happen to be taking together.

Some actions are just down right unexplainable and it just comes down to the mystery of being twins. I call these the unspoken “twinion moments”

Why did they know how to say each other’s names before learning their own?

There’s no logic reason to the innate understanding of the other’s needs.

When one twin picks up a piece of fruit from the kitchen, no questions asked, he’ll dutifully return with an extra piece for his brother.

But how can they possibly be each other’s best friend?

All the universal ground rules – loyalty, commitment and effort – equally apply to twins.

When faced with disagreements, there’s room for both to come to a resolution.

When an apology is due, so too is the license to forgive.

When one feels pain, another’s empathy is needed.

Despite all the children they’ve met at preschool and daycare, if you ask my boys who their best friend is, their answer is undeniable.

The teachers often confirm that they rarely leave each other’s side.

But that’s for the here and now.

Whether it’s inevitable for one to break away from the other it’ll be a rite a passage, not a disappointment.
In their own sweet accord and intuition, the twinions have had these precious formative years to instill the fundamentals of true friendship with each other.

Expanding their own territory to share these traits with new friends can only be a positive.

And that’s much more than what this mum can ever hope for.

**********

About the camera:

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 is the perfect tool for the new-ish photographer who wants to get more serious about their snaps.

Being a Compact System Camera (CSC), it’s half the weight and a third of the size of the smallest DSLR yet has all the professional imaging clarity.

There’s been many a ‘twinion moment’ or a breathtaking sunset that I couldn’t capture because well, who wants to carry around a bulky DSLR?

During this photo challenge, the Olympus OM-D E-M10’s has been sitting comfortably in my day bag, ready to point and shoot at a whims notice.

Photo 1:

The Olympus OM-D E-M-10 made life easier with its Scene mode and its automatic settings.

With 24 options to choose from, I didn’t have to waste my time – or a photo opportunity – fiddling with the knobs or buttons.

Using the “Beach/Snow” scene mode, the light coloured sand and bright early afternoon light didn’t carry too much exposure. Yet, the mode was also able to pick up the fine detail of sand grains.

Photo 2:

With its built-in Wi-Fi functionality, I was able to transfer images straight from the camera to my iPhone4S using the Olympus Share application.

Once on the camera roll, I could share my photos to Instagram or like this photo, add some text using the Little Moments app first before posting it.

Photo 3:

With 13 Art modes as well as extra filters and frames to choose from, a novice photographer like me has the chance to get creative and a little artsy.

For this photo, I switched the camera to the Pop Art mode.

Then, using the built-in Wi-Fi function, I imported the photo via the Olympus Share application where edited the photo again by adding the Diamora filter. Finally, the Olympus Share application allowed me to add some text.

Photo 4:

The Photo Story Collage creator let me take multiple photos at a time. Using the “Speed” theme, I was able to capture some fast paced muddy action!

Photo 5:

Simply using the Auto mode, I let the camera work its magic with colour and clarity.

Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT

Did you like this? Share it:

Breastfeeding Twins

June 2, 2014 By: mamagrace7113 Comments

***This post is written in partnership with Medela. All opinions are my own. All feeding breasts mentioned are mine too***

“Here. Put mouth here.”

Like attaching an electrical cable to a socket feed, the midwife shoved my nipple to my 2 day old boy’s tiny lips.

This was our first attempt and I’ll never forget it.

Whilst feeling excited, intimidated and vulnerable are also emotions that spring to mind.

Popping out my gonzolas for the first time in the NICU ward totally freaked me out. Suddenly, I turned into an absolute prude. But as it happened, a boob fest in that little part of the hospital was the norm rather than the exception. Nothing was too precious to hide or be prudish about.

Then, just as me and K-Bear had some brief boobie feeding success, the scary realisation hit me: I was going to have to do this all over again…but with two on my tits.

Okay.

Now, looking back, breastfeeding twins is really like riding a bike.

Actually, it’s not at all.

But persistence is something necessary for riding two wheels or feeding two babies.

I remember when that big blue twin breast pillow made its debut that on my lap, welcoming my two tiny babies.

The cold hands of midwives again handling my (no longer) precious puppies encouraging the feeding procedure to begin.

After a few attempts, they both latched then finally they started to suck. For a split second we were in sync – all three of us.

We made a perfect little triangle.

In those early days, finding that harmony, that rhythm, would only be a brief magical moment but it would be a start. With each feed, we made further steps in progress.

When I look back on those sleepless nights and endless days, I truly wonder how I breastfed twins. Especially on the many occasions when I was on my own.

But I did.

Even through the excruciating pain of nipple thrush, a quiet force of determination told me to keep going.

I had every opportunity to quit but I liked that special triangle my babies and I had created. It was intoxicating, initmate, irreplaceable.

My mother-in-law would often come over with a helping hand during those new born baby days.

She would take the responsibility of bringing each baby over to me, placing one at each of my side (now HER hands were icy cold!). She would hover over my shoulder, lovingly look at her grandchildren like any other doting grandmother. I thought nothing of it.

Then, one morning, in the midst of her usual task, she gave me an unusually solemn look.

Thinking perhaps something had upset my mother-in-law, instead she said,

“This. These moments of you feeding the boys. I will always cherish them”

If there is any similarity of bike riding to breast feeding it would be this:

The perseverance to find your momentum; to listen and work with your intuition; that the more you do these things, the more confident you’ll become.

Most of all, enjoy the journey because it’s one of those fleeting times in life that only happens once.

For one lucky mum to be or breastfeeding mum or anyone who knows one, I have a Medela $50 voucher to giveaway!

All you have to do is:

Subscribe to With Some Grace by Email

Leave a comment on this post telling me:

“What’s one piece of advice you would offer to a new mum about feeding?”

Medela provides real solutions for breastfeeding mothers to get over any hurdles in the early days and to support their long term breastfeeding goals. Through its extensive range of breast pump products and other breastfeeding products, Medela is committed to promoting the benefits of breast milk and encouraging long term breastfeeding.

For more information visit: www.medela.com.au or www.facebook.com/medela.au

Terms and Conditions:

This giveaway is open to Australian residents only.
Closing date for entries is 10pm AEST Monday, 16th of June.
 The winner will be contacted via email on the following Tuesday.
If the winner does not reply to my email within 24 hours, another winner will be chosen.
 Entries will be judged on merit and decision of the winner will be final.

Did you like this? Share it:

3 Steps in School Readiness for Twins

May 29, 2014 By: mamagrace719 Comments

***This post was written in partnership with ASG***

There are some days when I really am flying by on the seat of my pants in this parenting gig.

Sometimes my mistakes are as transparent as the crystal waters of Bondi Beach, especially when my child in all of his 4 years of wisdom shrieks: “Be patient, Mama! Be paaaatient!”

Oops.

One thing I’m determined to get (as close to) right is school readiness.

I used to compare the twinions to others with a fine tooth comb of paranoia.

Now, I’ve realize that can be futile when considering each child is different in growth and development, there are also variables to consider, particularly when it comes to twins and multiples.

Who knows you best than your twin? Who can you speak your own quirky language with, not only have them completely understand what you just said but respond in same level of quirkiness?

Why make friends when you have a constant who knows what games you like to play (and when), who’s your favourite engine and dinosaur.

Of course this is a rare blessing in many aspects.

Yet, there’s this maternal hankering to intervene; to see whether I need to encourage them to play with others.

Here are 3 steps in school readiness for twins we use that will hopefully get the boys excited about big school and new friends but to safely know that their brother is right there. Just no longer right in their face.

Eating lunch separately at pre-school:

I’m very grateful for the teachers implementing this one. The twinions weren’t eating their lunches as they were distracting each other. Like home, like pre-school.

As a solution, the teacher, simply placed each of their lunch boxes at separate tables and voila! Lunch is (mostly) eaten, quietly and without fuss. Win!

Communicate with the “big school”:

We made some phone calls late last year to our local primary school and asked them briefly about the number of their kindergarten classes and if they were up for some sprightly twins due to enroll soon (Heh!).

Most importantly, we’re comfortable knowing that the teachers will be open to discuss what’s best for the twinions – to separate them or not.

A recent parent information night organized by the local council with all the local schools also participating was also helpful.

It was another opportunity to stalk…er, speak with our primary school and find out from the principal when Open Day was happening.

Dang, that lady gonna be sick of us come January, 2015.

Ask them about their friends:

There’s one twin that tends to be a little more introverted than the other and a little too comfortable with his brother’s constant presence.

But I know he’s capable of making other friends, particularly with older girls (ahems).

Just to gently spark his interest, in the morning, as we wake up and enjoy some snuggle time, I’ll ask him: “Who did you play with yesterday? Who will you play with today? Who’s your friend?”

I’m slowly learning the names of the other kids in their class so that’s helping putting my questions into context.

We all know that extracting any information about school is as painful as plucking stubborn eyebrow hairs but we persevere, yes?

Herding the boys into the car after preschool the other day, a little girl who was about to hop into her own car parked on the other side of the road yelled out, “Bye Nunu! Bye K-Bear!”

The twinions had already climbed in by this point and missed her completely.

But me being the overzealous mum – thrilled with the prospect of a new friend from class – yelled back (a little too excitedly) to her.

“Bye! Bye! Sorry, what was your name again???!!”

It was too late. She had whizzed off.

But it didn’t matter. I drove home stupidly happy, my heart filled with hope.

My boys are gonna nail big school. I just know it.

Do/did you have any concerns with your preschooler and school readiness?

Australian Scholarships Group (ASG) is a not-for-profit organisation and specialist education benefits provider. ASG has supported over 509,000 children and their families to offset the cost of education. But now ASG is moving towards offering more than just education funds. They’re creating an ever-expanding suite of resources, online tools and guides – like the ‘Motivating children to learn’ e-guide – to support parents and nurture children in their educational journey so they can reach their full potential. Visit www.asg.com.au to discover member benefits or call 1800 648 945.

More articles regarding education issues, development, family members and parenting available on www.asg.com.au/resources

ASG is also offering a week-long, luxury family excursion. It’s FREE to enter. Click here to find out how you can enter for your chance to win!

Did you like this? Share it:

Pancake Sunday {Peppa Pig Giveaway}

March 18, 2014 By: mamagrace7129 Comments

When it comes to this whole parenting gig, I’m still skeptical of the phrase, “It gets easier”

When? When exactly does it get easier?

When will the sleep deprivation cease? When will my house no longer look like an excerpt from the Guns of Navarone? When will I EVER get to finish a cup of tea???

Almost exactly this time last year, as I was pulling my hair thinking of activities to keep the twinions occupied (without damaging our home), I thought that maybe, just maybe, it was safe to do a little cooking with them.

What was supposed to be a simple pancake making afternoon full of fun and immense joy, turned out to be unstoppable utter madness.

Hardened flour and water all over the kitchen floor and bench tops took two kitchen mop head replacements and weeks to scrub off.

Anywho. Let kitchen craziness bygones be crazy.

Last Sunday, I bit the bullet and made another attempt.

Taking a deep breath, I used my best I’m-a-fun-a-little-too-enthusiastic-mama sing song voice :“Who wants to make pancakes???”

“Me! Me! Meeeee!”

The response was unexpectedly overwhelming. Maybe even scarily so.

Terrified I had just signed myself up to the sequel of “Junior Masterchef Disasters”, I cautiously led them to the kitchen.

But as it turned out, we had a great, relatively non-messy time!

Pancake Mania 3

The boys love telling me what ingredients make pancakes.

“Mama, we need flour, susu (Bahasa Indonesian for milk) and telur (egg in Bahasa)”

Shock, horror! They even agreed to wear aprons!

And using the hand-me down Junior Masterchef Cooking Kit from a friend, we made special shapes.

“Mickey Mouse” was the big favourite.

Looks like we’ve found ourselves a new Sunday morning activity where the twinions have awesome fun and most importantly, us parents survive the aftermath.

They didn’t taste too bad either.

It’s astounding how things change in a year. And while twin wrangling may not so much be getting “easier” (not yet, anyway), these days, it’s a lot more fun and a lot less messier.

Speaking of fun, I have a fantastic Peppa Pig giveaway!

Peppa Pig Backpack
Peppa Pig Easter Treat
Peppa Pig Wooden Dominoes

Peppa is a lovable, cheeky little piggy who lives with her younger brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Peppa loves playing games, dressing up, visiting exciting places and making new friends, but her absolutely favourite thing is jumping up and down in muddy puddles. Her adventures always end happily with loud snorts of laughter. Here’s your chance to win the ultimate Peppa Pig collection, valued at $40 – just in time to celebrate Easter and the holiday season! Check out even more new and exciting products now instore at www.Bigw.com.au. For more info, visit peppapig.com.au I facebook.com/officialpeppapig.au

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me:

“What’s activity do you enjoy doing with your kids?”

Subscribe to With Some Grace by Email

Terms and Conditions:

This giveaway is only open to Australian residents
Closing date for entries is 10pm AEST Tuesday, 25th of March.
 The winner will be contacted via email on the following Wednesday.
If the winner does not reply to my email within 24 hours, another winner will be chosen.
 Entries will be judged on merit and decision of the winner will be final.
Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT

Did you like this? Share it:

Syncronised Sleeping {Special Beds Online Discount Offer}

February 27, 2014 By: mamagrace7112 Comments

***This is a sponsored post for Beds Online. However, all opinions are my own***

Once upon a time, identical twin boys were born to excited, brand spanking new parents who didn’t have the slightest inkling of what they were getting themselves into.

After spending their first 2 weeks in NICU, sleeping peacefully in the one cot, side by side, tucked in each other’s nook, the natural transition was to have the same arrangement at home.

As with most new families though, figuring out how to ensure peaceful slumber for both children and parents can be tricky.

Australia’s leading online mattress superstore, Beds Online makes shopping for mattresses for kids, bunk beds and kids bedding simple and convenient.

Holding all the leading brands in stock, prices are extremely competitive and delivery is cheap and superfast.

At Chez Mama Grace, it was the beginning of syncronised sleeping; twins sleeping the same way at the same time without, of course, realizing it.

For the next six months, they cherished every moment witnessing their twinlets in a pod keeping each other warm and in perfect company.

Alas, as nature commands, the babies grew and continued to thrive. Cries of hunger and flailing arms escaping from swaddles, whacking each other in the face meant no one was getting any decent shut-eye.

Realising that they were going through bittersweet parenting process of watching their newborns move to the next phase of becoming toddlers, mum and dad reluctantly built the second cot.

All those blissful months of perfect sleeping patterns, soon crept out the door. In its place were restless nights.

Exhaustion and sleep deprivation became semi-permanent guests in the household with bleary-eyed mum and dad constantly trying to settle 2 screaming banshees.

Controlled crying left them guilt-ridden and even more fatigued.

Hours spent with arms reaching through the rails, simultaneously patting each of their backs also proved to be futile.

Sleep. Sleeeeeep. Go to sleeeeeeeep!!!

But what seemed like long, endless nights…and days, the years soon whizzed by.

Before long, the search began for proper beds!

As it worked out, the twinions now lie side by side.

Of course, the synchronised sleeping continues.

Syncronised Sleeping 3

What are the sleeping “hurdles” with your kids?

Until the end of the year, Beds Online are generously offering a special 10% discount to all With Some Grace readers!!!

Just use the discount code: 10OFF

You’re welcome!

Did you like this? Share it:

Of Dinosaur Cakes and Meltdowns

February 4, 2014 By: mamagrace7126 Comments

It had been 3 years since the twinions had a birthday party.

I wanted to be a kick arse mum who held a party every year. Delve right into the joys of baking, exceeding expectations year after year with a proud display of awesome birthday cakeness.

Then, boom! Reality happened!

I know everyone (especially the kiddliewinks) had a fantastic time at that first birthday party.

Rather than see all the wonderful things that happened that day, I (shamefully) thought about how stressful it was.

But really, did it need to be?

What do one year olds care if there was a bit of rain or that there was too much balsamic vinegar in one of the salads?

Alas, it took me 3 years to recover. Of course, I was also trying to jump over other hurdles during that time. Namely, the idiosyncrasies of being a harsh self-critic; a perfectionist.

People can shake their head in disregard and say, “Come on, Grace. Get it together. It’s just a friggin’ kids birthday party…”

But I highly doubt I’d be the first mother who hasn’t – secretly or publicly – put that pressure on themselves to make sure EVERYTHING is just RIGHT; EVERYONE is having a GRAND time.

Luckily I snapped into my senses for the twinions’ fourth. This time, because I was aware of those tension levels rising, I knew how to control it.

Well, for the most part.

I totally lost my shizz when chocolate started leaking to the bottom from the cake tins, within minutes of being shoved in the oven.

“FAAAAAARK!!!”

“It’s okay, babe. It’s okaaaaaaaay. It’s all part of the journey” Mr Surfer said in a New Age, hippy la-la calming voice.

You know where you can stick your “journey”.

By tomorrow, all of this will be a laugh and a great story for dinner parties, I tried to assure myself.

Hindsight, hindsight…wherefore art thou, beloved hindsight?

With restored determination, I returned to the kitchen.

After slaving away over the oven like we were starting up our own Baker’s Delight, I successfully baked FOUR round Betty Crocker Devils Food Cakes.

Anyway, both dinosaur cakes turned out awesome. You’d hope so after baking, frosting and decorating them till 3am (Thank you Mr Surfer and your creative skills).

Of course, the day turned out brilliantly.

A friend generously offered his balloon shaping skills. Kids whacking an empty Piñata to no avail provided great entertainment for us adults. (No one told me those things weren’t pre-filled!)

Proving once again twins are their own little beings, encountering experiences with their own individual reactions, when it came to standing in front of all their friends and their parents to have everyone sing Happy Birthday, K-Bear was proud as punch, soaking up the attention.

My Nunu, however, my beautiful, precious boy was a little overwhelmed. Digging his little head deeper and deeper into my chest as the singing and cheering continued, I was reminded of his unique trait to internalise.

It’s okay, I kept reassuring him. Seconds later, he was just as ecstatic as his brother as they both cut their own green dinosaur cake.

These are the intricate, delicate moments that become fundamental references in life. I think they call it perspective.

Without the meltdowns, we can’t appreciate the priceless smiles.

They happen. They’re part of the journey.

Do you have pre-birthday party meltdowns? Or are you a cool cucumber?

Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT

Did you like this? Share it:

Birthday Message To My Twins

January 28, 2014 By: mamagrace7132 Comments

To my beloved boys,

Today is your fourth birthday but it’s no more special than any other, for me to tell you how much my life has been fulfilled since your arrivals.

Not for a day, for a second, from the moment you were inside of me, growing and kicking, getting to know each other, did I take either of you for granted.

For so long, I never knew if it was even possible to have one of you. And after all the effort and the prayers, even when the signs all showed there was the possibility of being doubly blessed, your father and I always remained prudent.

With each cautionary step, after every appointment, after each ultra sound we were told you were both breathing, alive, thriving, against the odds.

Each defining moment when we would get the all clear, we would retreat to the hospital’s prayer room. It was our own little refuge.

In that quiet, dark room, away from the dangers and sickness of this harsh world, we would quietly offer our thanks and gratitude. Tears of relief always fell. And with one hand on my tummy – where you were both busy keeping each other company – your father and I held each other a little tighter.

We’ve jumped so many hurdles together: Our time in NICU, the pain and exhaustion of tandem breastfeeding, the mental and emotional challenges of trying to do our very best for each of you.

Now here we are. Celebrating another year of glorious life; of being together.

Effortlessly, I can already see you are each other’s constant. In two, there is one. There is unity. There is the safety and comfort that whatever you face, the other is firmly by your side.

Yet, beyond your identical appearances, there lies the importance that you are your own unique and special personality. Whatever others may say or perceive, they will only know truly know and understand each of you for your special traits and not simply for distinguishing birthmarks.

It’s not even up to us, your parents, to predict what your talents or interests will be. For now, they change every day. So, we want each of you to make a deal with time; let it settle what your choices, decisions and adventures will be.

While it seems ironic that I write a birthday message to my twins, that encourages individuality and independence, I know one day you’ll also read this with your own different interpretations.

Just as you’ll find your own definition of success, I know that you will be the first to give your twin brother’s back a hearty congratulatory slap.

When each of you will face trials and failures, in your chosen paths and journeys, may you always meet at crossroads to help and support each other.

As much as my heart aches a little more each year; holding on to this unrealistic, selfish tingle of a wish for time to freeze; I’m excited for the great potential of two very special lives.

For if not for time and serendipity, the two of you – at the same time – would never exist.

Love you forever,

Mama

Joining Essentially Jess for IBOT

Did you like this? Share it:

FYBF – The Mummy Mantra Edition

October 25, 2013 By: mamagrace7146 Comments

After all the hype and build up to the birth of the twinions, I distinctly remember Mr Surfer and I looking at each other completely baffled as if to say, “So…what the fark now?”

Tell me which new parent hasn’t had the same look?

But you know for us, having two in one hit – as it were – added that extra pressure of ramping up the responsibilities and duties of a parent.

We were so clueless, we left it completely to the midwives at the NICU to direct us.

Breastfeeding, nappy changing, swaddling, bathing. Those midwives were like the Michelle Bridges and the Commandos of antenatal care. Strict, firm, giving instructions with an iron fist.

After 16 days of parenting boot camp, we were finally able to take the boys home.

We thought we had it down pat. In fact, dare I say, to the point of being cocky.

Tandem twin breastfeeding on little or zero sleep? Not. A. Problem.

Didn’t take long for reality to sink in, though.

Thus, the blunders began. And oh my, there were some beauties.

Anna Funder is an accomplished author and award-winning novelist. I haven’t read a single one of her books and truth be told, probably never will.

But she is a mother who has a hilarious childhood story about her own.

Camping in Yosemite National Park with family, she desperately needed to go to the toilet situated deep in the woods. As her breastfeeding mum was kinda tied up with her little baby brother, she instead gave Anna instructions on how to get there.

Adamant there was a bear down there, Anna didn’t want to go on her own.

But her mum persisted, telling her there was no such creature.

Until an irate adult brought Anna back, wondering who was the irresponsible parent who kept sending their 6 year old to the shower blocks alone?

There was a BEAR down there!!!

This story made Anna come up with the most awesome Mama Mantra I’ve discovered since entering this crazy gig called parenting:

“I tried my best, it wasn’t enough but it could’ve been worse”

So, I’ve thought about mine.

For all the times I’ve clipped the inside of my boys’ legs with their seat belt or almost scalded their mouths with overheated expressed breast milk and for all the future faux pas awaiting ahead:

“I WILL survive this. And one day, I’ll even laugh about it”

What’s your mantra? What’s been one of your epic parenting blunders?

Did your mum make you go down to the toilets when there was a bear down there?

1. Follow With Some Grace.

2. Sign up to the awesome Digital Parents community ( if you haven’t already done so). DP was created by Brenda Gaddi who happens to be the creator of FYBF. She’s also created 4 gorgeous kidlets. In case you’d like to know. Or maybe not. But we’ll share that info just the same.

3. Add your post URL to the linky. Please only link up one post.

4. Grab the funky FYBF button and post it on your sidebar. Help spread the blogfloggin love.

5. Visit the blogs of your fellow FYBF’ers and share the comment love

Did you like this? Share it:

Are you happy?

October 3, 2013 By: mamagrace7126 Comments

Soft rays of daybreak gently touch the window frames casting subtle shadows on the bed.

Slowly the little lump of boy stirs from the covers but as his eyes eventually open, he affectionately nudges closer in. He reaches over to my shoulder beckoning me to lean in and hug him.

Obliged, I gaze into his tiny face.

In front of me is the magical transformation from new born baby innocence to feisty pre-schooler; all in a blink of an eye.

The days go slow but the years speed past.

And as his long lashes flutter and tickle my cheek, the saying couldn’t hold any more truth.

Early mornings used to carry so much anxiety and stress from the night before. Little sleep caused by the constant worry of work and the heavy burden of trying to be the best in whatever corporate game I was playing at the time.

Terrified that motherhood was possibly not part of the game plan, I wrote in my journal countless pleas to the Greater Universe to grant me one of life’s greatest wishes; I prayed earnestly to the God I believed in for my one final request.

Then the gift of parenting was finally bestowed but the tempestuous journey of trial and error began. Learning to heed to natural instincts while keeping the harsh external judgments at bay. There are days that barely touch the surface of survival but holds the desperate hope that your children don’t detect your weaknesses or your flaws.

Abiding the golden rule we’ve instilled when sleeping in “Mama and Papa’s big bed”, he gently whispers as his little hands hold my face.

“Mama, are you happy?”

Where did he learn to say this?

What makes him think that I’m not?

Have I been cross lately?

Is he still upset at me for scolding him at dinner last night?

After many mornings of being asked, I slowly realized that it wasn’t about emotional scarring or prolonged hurt feelings.

There was actually nothing to feel guilty about.

That’s the stuff us adults – within our tarnished, cynical personal lives – automatically assume because no one ever is genuinely concerned about the state of our disposition anymore. Unless it’s for their own benefit, right?

But his little boy of mine was asking because of his own innocent intentions.

In the midst of chaotic parental duties, ensuring that the children are fed and clothed; keeping up with the milestones and thriving as I unnecessarily compare them to others; there was something far more important my son wanted me to know.

So, I’ve learned.

I’ve learned to quietly whisper my reply, “Yes. Yes, my boy, I’m very happy”

Then, I prompt him, “Are you? Are you happy?”

“Yes, Mama. I’m happy too”

Did you like this? Share it: