That was easy.

Second dates are fun. Third dates are exciting!

I wrote about our first play-date with our new found friends. I was worried about being myself around her, you know, because she's a mom.

Then I realized...

I'm the one who feels like I should have it all together. I'm the one judging me.

Really, all moms are way too busy chasing the kids around, making snacks, and cleaning food off our butts to care what the mom next to us is drinking at night.

So here's to being yourself...It's really all you've got.

I was right.

We had a wonderful third play-date at the zoo! Our kiddos were on the same page the whole trip. We stopped for snacks, took our time, and played in random spots along the way. It was easy.

Guess who would rather play in the dirt than see the elephants?

Leila!

I did hold myself back a little bit.

Mom-friend didn't need to know how hilarious I though it was to see a very excited male zebra. However, I did mention that I can't lose these last five pounds because I drink wine every night.

We'll see...

Mommy-friends {Be yourself}

I am sure it is no surprise that this third Mommy-dating rule has me questioning everything.

Mommy-dating Rule #1: Put yourself out there

Mommy-dating Rule #2: Don't give up

Mommy-dating Rule #3: Be yourself

Be myself?!? See, this is where I start questioning things.

Who am I?

I am still figuring that out. I thought I knew who I was, kind of, then I had Leila. (I told you motherhood changes everything).

I never thought about if I was "being myself" or not before Leila. I knew I was myself. I always seemed to have an opinion, loved a good party, and worked a lot. I don't remember worrying about being judged for anything other than wearing flip-flops with everything.

Now as a mother, those traits aren't always popular.

I don't want to be the one preaching about how important it is to have a consistent nap time while we push our kids on the swing. No one wants to hear about the wine bottle party I had by myself last night. And well, I'm sure you all heard, I don't have a job other than cleaning yogurt off everything within a three foot radius of Leila's highchair.

Instagram!

It is hard to be yourself when who you are is constantly changing, when you doubt yourself, or when you are afraid of being judged.

Judgement. Yep, that's what I am scared of. Wondering what other people think of me is was holding me back.

What happened to that confidence I use to feel?

Motherhood is a club with a lifetime membership. You are a part of it the second you find out you are pregnant.

No club exists without rules. The problem is, I can't seem to figure out who is making the rules!

Oh wait, it's me.

I'm the one who feels like I should have it all together. I'm the one judging me.

Really, all moms are way too busy chasing the kids around, making snacks, and cleaning food off our butts to care what the mom next to us is drinking at night.

So here's to being yourself...It's really all you've got.

I still don't know who I am, but luckily I realized my new mommy-friends don't have the time to notice.

Cheers!

From bad to worse

These are by far my favorite series of photos I've taken of Leila.

She has quite a personality and these show off her silly-crazy-fun side!



She had no idea where that cracker went.



And this is where I drew the line. Bath time!

I'm linking up again this week with Mama G over at Growing up Geeky. This Tuesday's topic is your favorite photo. Any photo taken by you is fair game! Link up here...

I'm hoping this one (my official entry) wins the prize.



Is it strange that my favorite photo of her is a silly one? It looks like she totally forgot the cracker was on her head.

Momma's girl

Recently Leila has turned into a Momma's girl.

I cannot pee in peace.

I am the only one that can hold my phone even if Daddy is watching a video on it.

I better be the one who takes her plate when she is finished or it will be pushed across the table in anger.

Crying and whining ensues when I leave her at my parents' rental for a quick run.

Oh, and apparently I MUST be the one to change her poop diaper.



But guess what?

I get unexpected hugs and kisses.

I am the one she wants to hold her when she's hurt.

I'm one of the few that can get her to belly laugh for no apparent reason.

I am the one she calls Momma.