Finding a Balance

As with most parents, it has been a difficult but exciting journey trying to figure out how to balance work, home, baby, hubby, and often last self needs. But after 9+ months I think I have peace with the balancing act. Over the last week I've done a lot of reflecting, not sure why really, maybe the new year, or the pasat week's activities. As you may recall, Nathen got me a spa package for Christmas including a massage, manicure, pedicure, and haircut/style, well I cashed that in on Saturday and spent about 4 hours at the salon, while Nathen got some special daddy time with Aiden. On Tuesday some girl friends from work had planned a girl night out of dinner and a movie, something I have not done since I got married. I debated with myself over and over whether I "should" go or not, after much discussion with Nathen who thought it would be a good opportunity for me (and get him out of taking me to 27 Dresses, a great flick by the way:) I decided to go, and while I pulled into dinner a lightbulb went off..."I have a great life", my son is spending quality time with Grandma and then Daddy (when he gets home from work), and I was able to spend all day with them the previous day and the following day, my coworkers value me as both a professional and a friend, I enjoy my job, and I have a wonderful husband, and adorable baby. While this lightbulb went off a sense of relief came over me that I should not feel guilty about attending the girls night out. Although I did feel somewhat guilty about not feeling guilty...but remembered the facts that Aiden was in good hands and I get to spend quality time with him most days/nights of the week. Along with this balancing act and having a life outside of home is the ongoing concern about raising a child. I've been very caught up on developmental milestones, from when will he walk to why cant he figure out a sippy cup, or wave bye bye. I think as a mom its natural to worry about your child, but recently I've been thinking in the big picture of life does it really matter when he walks, drinks out of a sippy cup, or sleeps through the night...absolutely NOT what matters most is is my child happy, and that is a resounding YES, even perfect strangers have commented on what a well behaved happy baby he is and he has brought joy to so many people. Nathen and I were just talking about how the "newness" of parenthood has not worn off yet, I find myself talking about Aiden just as much or more so than I did when he was only days old. I know I'm rambling a bit, but I just thought it was my duty to all the other moms out there to share this ah-ha moment as I think we as moms are too hard on ourselves. So in closing I leave 2 things with you 1) dont feel guilty about doing things for yourself and 2)dont worry so much, look at your child's smile and your worries will pass quickly. Alright that is my philisophical blog entry for the year, I promise the next blog will have some pics of Aiden:)