Humble Pie: September 2015

It's the game all the mommies play.

It's called, "Let's Compare, and feel like Crap!" Since day one of finding out I was expecting my first child, I started comparing myself to other moms. You too? Read on...

Attention: Sarcasm may be prevalent, so do not take literally!

Let's Compare, and Feel Like Crap!

Official Game Rules and Recommendations

1. Several teams may play at once, but each team member must agree that their team's way of playing is 'right' and ONLY way to play.

2. In order to intimidate the other team, you must make short and jabbing comments, stare down the other team's members, and brag on your skills.

3. This game appeals to all personality types:

For those who are ' center of attention' types, there will be plenty of opportunities to let your momma bear roar, breast feed in public, and tell everyone how perfect your little one is. You can be the designated one who will act out any scenes that need further explanation.

For those 'organized' ones, there is plenty of space for you to chime in with detailed explanations of your scheduled nap times, organic pureed foods, computer labeled sippy cups, and 7 pm bed time routines. Don't worry, you will be the one to read the directions to your team member.

For those who are "laid back"moms, we have plenty of props you may use; a leash for your child, a penny you can finger swipe out of your child's mouth, and milk you can let sit as long as you would like in the supplied sippy cup. Don't worry, we'll watch your kid while you play.

And Finally, for all you 'visual learners'; bring your flash drives, and iPhones, because there will be plenty of opportunities to show off those family pictures to your friends. You can tell about your vacations, and show off those pretty hair bows, and your perfect marriage... all while deceiving the other team!

Disclaimer:

Please note that it is a possibility that you could be voted off of your team at any time for any of the following reasons:

You break down crying because you can't take the pressure
You give birth to too many children while you are playing
If you have a civil conversation with other team's members

Winning the Game:

The winning team is determined by the latest fads, and are subject to change with each raging hormone.

Seriously....

I don't know about you, but I have been trapped in this never ending game for 8 years. Some of you may have just joined, and others quit playing a long time ago.

I think I have played on every possible team and been crushed by them all as well.

As a mom of three, a previous children's pastor, and a day care director, I have seen this game played so well, by so many of us.

And the truth is...none of us want to play anymore, but we are too scared to say so.

So...we "Compare...and Feel Like Crap!"

Please forgive me for not being more tactful, but I think this is one of the main problems we encounter....

Using Tact!

It starts with all the advice when you are pregnant and puking, and continues as we decide what type of schooling we chose for our children. Why do we feel like our way is the best way, the only way? And why do we HAVE to ALWAYS say something?

What worked for you, may not work for other mommies..and THAT'S OK!

As a newly expecting mom, I wanted to do what was best for my baby. So, I read all the books, "What to "Fear" When You are Expecting", "Baby 'Wise...while losing my mind," and "Supernatural Epideral." Okay, well the books were something like that.

I felt overwhelmed, and incapable. Oh, and really, really tired.... So tired that the noise from my breast pump would cause me to repeat words in my head over and over again in the middle of the night.

I didn't need advice. And I surely didn't need to compare myself to you!

What I needed was...

a hug from my mommy
ladies at my Bible study who took the time to pray for postpartum depression to leave me
my friend, Heidi (wonderful mother of 4) telling me to throw the books away and trust the Holy Spirit
and a sweet verse hidden away in the middle of the Bible, and pointed out to my by my friend and co-new mom, Tabitha, that read..."He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young" (Isaiah 40:11).