Managing Motherhood: 3 Must-Haves for MOMs!

Welcome back fellow moms and Happy New Year!

I was reflecting back on the things that made life easier since I had my son 26 months ago – things that really made a difference in managing motherhood. There's the stationary jumper I got from my shower...that thing was a godsend for keeping the little guy in one place when he learned to crawl. I probably would've left the house with makeup on one eye (more often than I already did) without that gem. Oh, and then there's the diaper wipe warmer...indulgent as that sounds, it'll keep the munchkin calm for those overnight surprise diaper changes. And not to forget the combo carseat/carrier, where you can press a button to release the carrier from the base, pull up a handle and lift your sleeping kiddo out undisturbed. Can't tell you how many quiet coffee breaks at Panera I've enjoyed with my son sleeping beside me, thanks to that handy invention. But really and truly, as I reflect, the big "3 Mommy Must-Haves" aren't anything you can find at the store:

(drum roll please)

1. PATIENCE- There's a reason it's a virtue! I considered myself a patient person until the true challenge of parenthood came along. As a counselor, I dealt routinely with kids yelling, throwing chairs, you name it. I kept a calm and neutral veneer. But somehow it's a whole new game when your own flesh and blood dumps the dinner you lovingly prepared onto the linoleum or your lap, or starts screaming in the middle of the grocery store as people stare at you wondering why you don't quiet your misbehaving child. I blamed my short supply of patience on sleep deprivation for the first year, but he sleeps soundly though the night and that hasn't cured my mommy moments of inner-meltdowns. And so, I strive still to keep my patience and let me tell you, I get many opportunities to practice.
2. A SENSE OF HUMOR- Don't leave home without it! Laughing and making others laugh is one of my favorite things, but it's critical in parenthood--especially the ability to laugh at yourself and not take the stressful moments too seriously. One occasion where I checked my pride at the door was when I was picking out furniture and the salesman had to tell me something was on my back. I had failed to notice a dried trail of baby upchuck down the back of my cardigan. Classy. Another occasion--a scary one--was when my son fell from his bassinet and had to go to the ER. My mom and I were calming him in the waiting room and she automatically started to sing a lullaby.When she got to the lyric, "down will come baby, cradle and all," we both realized the irony and cracked up. He ended up totally fine, barely a bruise, so I can look back on it now and still chuckle a bit.   
3. TIME OFF -  This must-have should probably be shifted to the number one slot! Fellow moms, do not--I repeat--do not feel guilty taking time away when you need it! Whatever it is that you're passionate about (knitting, running, scrapbooking, girl's nights out, Zumba, whatever!) do not give it up. We've all heard this advice but we really need to heed it. Reading, writing and movies are my loves and when I skimp on them, I get snippy and no one wants that (especially dad). It's not selfish, it's not indulgent, it's common sense. You need a balanced life to keep up the parenthood pace and stay sane. So what are you waiting for? What will you do with your much-deserved time off?