bark less, wag more

Since the day Colden was born, I started worrying about him. (And if I'm being honest, I started well before he was ever born). When we first brought him home I had lots to worry about; silly things like weight gain and temperature control were constantly on my mind. As he got older I worried about how much he was eating, what color he was pooping (yes this is true), and when he would sit up on his own. Once we learned he had a milk protein intolerance you would think an 'answer' would be cause to worry less....but not for me. I only worried more. Would he ever be able to have cow's milk? We are such a dairy eating family how was this going to work? After he developed reflux, I lost sleep worrying if he'd ever stop throwing up or if we'd need to continue to bring puke buckets into restaurants with our five year-old.

Given that most of these early worries have subsided (apart from reflux- which is looking at buying property and staying forever), I've since replaced every old worry with entirely new ones. Some completely justifiable- like whether or not he needs occupational therapy, and some totally product driven- like, which travel stroller do we need? Don't even get me started on the next-phase-car-seat train. Sheesh.

Lately however, I've been beating myself up over sensory experiences. That's right, providing enough experience in all things sensory: touching, tasting, seeing, hearing, and smelling. Because Colden and I stay at home, I feel 100% responsible in providing Pinterest inspired (and Dr. Sears approved) baby activities on a daily basis. Ohh the guilt that comes with parenthood. There's never enough time to bring all of my ideas to fruition, either. The advice to just worry less, or (gasp!) stop worrying all together- is like waving the white flag of mommy surrender. It's just not an option.

To combat my overactive case of the worries and its stronghold over me, I've decided I can most certainly, bark less. I can choose to focus on the present; instead of worrying about the future. It's time I enjoy Colden in this moment, just as he is. The sweet pups of this world aren't worrying about tomorrow's sensory experience, instead they're just wagging their tails as they play catch. I must take a queue from our canine friends and learn to bark less, and wag more.

Thankfully, our sweet Colden has been doing most of the wagging for us. We have the best baby. Here are a few photos of all the wagging we've been doing lately. These are for you, Mom!

He won't eat it...but it counts as a sensory experience, right?

Colden making a move on Evie at the end of music class...

Reading with Jack.

Mixing bowls double as drums, of course.

Toys?? Magazines are the new jam.

200 plastic balls on Amazon: $20. DIY ball pit: priceless.

Trying his first Guinness on St. Paddy's Day.

WHOA! More please.

Too much beer and wagging, I guess. 

Up and waggin' already. Look out.