Monday, May 12, 2014

Confessions of a Lazy Mom

I am sure if you have read my blog in the past you would have already realized I am kind of lazy. I mean the last post on this blog was dated over a year ago! I just never thought someone would call me out on it, I was pretty sure I was hiding it pretty well.

"Baby carriers are for lazy moms"

I have had friends tell me that people said that around them while they were wearing. They were not generally happy about it but I did not spend lots of time thinking about these comments. I have more important things to take up my very limited brain space.

That is until one day when I was at Costco.  I was feeling pretty good, I was at Costco, it was Friday, Emily was in my new pretty pink carrier on my back, I was at Costco, it wasn't very busy, we were having friends over and I was at Costco. Did I mention I love Costco? Its my favorite place in the whole world. Just the idea of Costco can make me smile. Then I heard it.

"Look at that toddler! Why is she in a carrier? Wow! She is pretty lazy...."

I was shocked for a minute. I could not believe that a mom would say that about another mom. I am pretty open to other parenting choices. I figure if you can make it through the day and everyone is still alive you rock and if you are able to make dinner too you deserve a Mother of the Year award.

As my stomach was churning in embarrassment I heard a noise. It was Emily singing. She was on my back smiling and waving to people, swinging her legs and singing a song. Then almost as if she knew I needed to hear it she said "mommy! mommy! mom! mommy.....lub you". And I realized. That lady is so right. I am lazy and I am ok with that.

Shopping trip to costco
My kid was happy and I did not have to do anything to keep her that way. She was not running around the store screaming like the little boy in the blue polo shirt. She was not trying to kill herself by jumping out of the cart like the toddler 3 feet in front of us. She was not throwing a temper tantrum like the little girl we just passed. The fact that she was not doing these things does not make me a better mom than those moms, it makes me lazy.

I am totally reliant on my carrier. The thought of going to the store without my carrier gives me hives because I know Emily would be that kid and I would like to avoid that behavior at all costs. If I get to the store and realize I left it at home I would turn around and get it.

I know when Emily is tired and refuses to nap I can put her on my back and walk the block. She will be asleep in 5 minutes and I get some exercise. I would so rather do that than listen to crying all afternoon. Ain't nobody got time for that.

I can fly with a toddler by myself without having a panic attack. I can make dinner and most of the time it is not burnt. I can stop the screaming of a teething toddler. I can get continuous hugs. I can prevent little hands from getting into things they shouldn't. The list goes on. I can do all these things with out my carrier but it is easier with a carrier. That is what makes me lazy, I would rather spend the least amount of energy possible to accomplish something.

The best part is that my daughter loves me for my laziness. Let me know if you would like some pointers on becoming a lazier mom.
Babywearing in an ergo. The lazy way to stay warm
Sleeping during a shopping trip 

Emily is a lazy doll mom.