Home with Mackay

MOST of the time it is great being a stay-at-home mom, just hanging out with Mackay all day. I say 'most' because it is not always a bundle of joy. There are days that I am completely envious of Nate going off to work; he gets to have conversations with adults all day--how cool would that be? I love what Elder Ballard said a few conferences ago about being a mom, "the joy of motherhood comes in moments." I hate wiping off little hands all day long. I hate cleaning up an entire box of 64-count wipes when they are strewn all over the floor. I hate going to the grocery store with a toddler. I hate changing poopy diapers. I've learned to hate the words, "Don't touch." "Mine." and "Holdyou" (one word--means hold me.) At a party with Nate's co-workers a couple months ago, I was having a conversation with some fellow moms who said they couldn't imagine staying home with their children all day long. After 6 weeks of life, they put their child into daycare for 8 hours a day. I was completely shocked! Why have kids then? No offense, some people have to work, I understand that. But if there is an option, we should want to raise our own children. Yes, it is frustrating, monotonous, and completely exhausting. But I wouldn't trade it for anything! Below are pictures from the last week that is proof of the joy of motherhood:

I have to say thank heaven for Playgroup. Mackay and I look forward to it every week. Last week Mackay made a hat for St. Patrick's Day. She had to wear it all the way home (ruining the squiggly ears that I made for her). She also had to have it on during meal times. She was so proud of it!
I've tried to be more creative with Mackay. It can sometimes get boring at home, and I usually end up going to some store needing to buy something. This afternoon I thought it would be fun for her to play "chef." I got some rice in a bowl, gave her a pot, some measuring cups and spoons, and some utensils to stir it with. She also insisted on having her "apron" on. She was a culinary genius. After a while of doing this, and feeding her creations to her stuffed bear that was sitting nearby, she accidentally spilled a cup full of rice all over the floor. When she heard my high-pitched scream she thought it was hilarious. I tried to guard the rice, but her little hands always seemed to get through and throw more of the rice on the floor. I have never heard her laugh so hard in my life. So, I let it continue.

Looks fun, huh. I got out a big broom, and then a little handheld broom with a dustpan. Mackay wanted to help sweep--so she took the big broom. I'm trying to teach her how to help clean up her messes, so I let her keep the big broom. So I swept up the entire room on my hands and knees with a little brush while Mackay pushed it all over the floor. Mackay and I were playing in her room this morning, and I saw her just laying there with her head in a box. She was "hiding" (since she can't see me, I can't see her). She was hiding her head in the box because she had found a binkie, and knowing that she doesn't get those outside of bed, decided to hide from me so she could suck on it.

I had a good laugh and ran and got my camera. I have at least one good laugh a day, and usually one pull-my-hair-out moment. But they cancel each other out.