There was a time...when Mary was 4weeks-10weeks old and screamed every night from 6pm-midnight. Brian was sure she hated him. There are so many recommendations for a colicky baby, one of them being the book "The Happiest Baby on the Block" - it gives the 5 :"S's" to comforting your baby; Swaddle, put the baby on their Side, Shush, Sway, and Suck...I always thought the 6th "S" should be Scotch (for parents, of course)
There was a time...that I cried for 22 miles straight on my first day back to the office, sure Mary wouldn't be able to survive without me. I showed up at noon and my co-workers immediately took my red swollen eyes out to lunch.
There was a time that I fell asleep in the rocking chair with a teething 7 month old who didn't care that I had to go to work in the morning, she just wanted her mommy, she just wanted to be held.
There are times now...for the challenging-age-twos. Mary is realizing she is her own person and it is her mission to try to see how far she can push her mommy and daddy. Not terribly surprising since she is half Brian. I can only imagine the slamming doors that may happen in 10 years.
But then there are so many moments like the one I captured above. We had just gotten home from the pumpkin patch and she was having her first Cider Donut - Yum. That smile, those little pudgy hands, I can almost hear her voice squeal in delight. Times like this make it all worth it, this is why we have kids.
I'm so happy I caught this on camera - I'll have to remind myself to look at this post the next time she drops to the floor in a tantrum. I'll have to give this tip to other moms, all you need for the Happiest Baby on the Block is the 5 "S's" and Cider Donuts...and Scotch.