Honest Mama Moments: Control Issues

I will be the first to admit: I might have a slight control problem. I’m most comfortable in the driver’s seat and almost always have an idea of how things should be done. That being said, motherhood has rocked my world. There is no such thing as control when navigating parenthood. Joy will be 16 Weeks this upcoming Monday and we have a sort of understanding. I know how to calm her down, put her to sleep, and sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star while changing her diaper so she doesn’t cry. We spend a lot of time together so I would like to consider myself an expert on Joy.

Here’s where my control issues come in– I want to share all these revelations with my husband and preach them as the gospel. I suggest he read to her, sing to her, or “rock her like this– not that.” He never quips back because he understands I’m coming from a good place but that doesn’t make it ok. Maybe reading won’t be their thing, or maybe he has a surefire way of calming her down other than rocking her side to side. Sometimes I forget: When I became a mother he became a father. I have got to give him more credit.

His Way

Since day one, he has been comfortable with all these new obligations and just has so much love for our baby girl. He has seamlessly fallen into his new role and needs very little assistance. He loves to hold Joy in his lap while playing video games; I have never seen her more content. Jeff prefers to play music and dance around rather than sing to her; she’s greatly amused. Diaper changes are still a struggle, but Joy likes to put up a fight. While I wash dishes in the kitchen, I hear him telling her about the world and all it has to offer. It’s because of his confidence that I can go for an evening run or a quick trip to Target without guilt or worry. Today I am appreciative for his loving nature and great relationship with our daughter.

Have you had any honest mama moments lately? Not always easy to admit but we all need to be held accountable sometimes.