2) Blow Bubbles. Forget that your kitchen floor will be spotted and speckled for the rest of day. Just enjoy the moment. Also, don't stress if your toddler dips the wand into the bubbles and then proceeds to lick it. He/She will live. I promise.
3) Head outside! Vitamin D is an amazing thing! It's been really cold here this Winter, so Liam and I have been doing the next best thing. We play in the spacious hallways of our apartment building. So, if you can't head outside break out the outdoor toys anyways and open the blinds to let in the Vitamin D! Just be careful golfing in the house.
4) Breathe! This is very important! So, maybe you found a tub of hummus on the toilet or your toddler just ripped pages from a book. Breathe! Sniff the hummus. If it's still smells okay and is cool to the touch then place it back in the refrigerator (on a higher shelf this time). As for the book, bring out the tape! If it can't be saved with tape then bring out the crayons. You now have a new coloring book.
5) Let your toddler get behind the lens! He/She always lets you take the pictures, so why not pose instead! You may get some VERY unflattering pictures, but you'll be laughing right along with your kiddo. You can always delete the shots of the inside of your nose!
6) Make a mess and then take a bath! Paint, eat with your hands or dig in the dirt. Just get messy and then enjoy a nice bubble bath afterwards. Both getting messy and cleaning up are so much fun!
7) Let your little nugget help with the chores. I admit sometimes this can make an even bigger mess, but they LOVE to help. So, why not teach them how to do it the right way! I've found less toys in the trash now that I've shown Liam what DOES go in the trash. I may have also rewashed a few clean dishes, just because he stuck them in they dishwasher. It didn't hurt them and he was occupied while I did the dishes. I call that a Win-Win.
8) Enjoy the quiet. When they sleep try to enjoy it! I'm not going to give you the old "Sleep when they sleep" advice. We all know that NEVER happens. I have way too much to do to sleep when Liam sleeps, but I do try and have at least a moment of peace. I try and just sit on the couch and enjoy the silence for a minute or two before it's on to something else. This is usually when I enjoy my second (or third) cup of coffee. Peace.
9) Find beauty in the small things. Whether it's your little ones laughter or the scribbles on the wall. Hey, it's ART, Mama! Maybe your kiddo brought you a flower at the park (or in my case rocks). Or maybe you found some crushed crayons in the parking lot (see below). All of these can bring a smile to your face. Your entire day may not be sunshine and roses. It may be full of poo and tantrums, but there can be that one moment that makes the entire day worth it. Find that beautiful moment and at the end of the day hold on to it. You may reflect at the end of the day and realize that the whole day was full of lots of little moments. These little moments make up a beautiful life. Your life.
10) Sleep. The laundry can wait and so can that episode of Modern Family. You need to rest, because tomorrow you get to do it all over again! Sweet Dreams!
