Perspective

Those parenting "experts" that say you shouldn't give kids food to entertain/occupy them because it will lead to childhood obesity and chronic video-game playing clearly haven't been stuck on an airplane with an 8 month-old. On our recent trip to Atlanta, Finn managed to eat his way through a box of Cheerios, a mini-bagel, teething biscuits, and fruit flavored puffs. And that was while we were still on the runway. I think I speak for all parents when I say we will do ANYTHING to keep them quiet on an airplane. Yes, I'm talking to you Mr. Business Suit with your NYT newspaper and crackberry, sighing loudly and rolling your eyes at me as I walk down the aisle with, gasp, a baby. Believe it or not, it was not my intention to ruin your life by bringing a baby on the plane. That being said, we are getting ready to do it all over again today. Finn is going to visit his Mimi and Bop in South Carolina. Usually he gets his own seat, but today we will be co-chairs. Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines . . .

Unfortunately, I'm not going to get our pictures from our trip up before we leave (sorry mom and dad). But I came to a realization recently and thought I would share. Like most new moms, I want to protect Finn from everything that could potentially harm him. Dirt, dog hair, germs, yada, yada. I'm quickly realizing that the difference between first time moms life myself, and repeat offender moms, is a healthy sense of reality. They will get into stuff and it will be gross. End of story. I was in the gym the other day and decided to take a peek at Finn in the daycare. There he was mopping the floor with his tongue while the nursery worker was apparently engrossed in the text messages on her cell phone. But he was happy and quiet. So I went back to the treadmill. He also brought back a present from Alabama. In the form of a deer tick. On his ear. Ewww. 

Basically, I'm writing this to remind myself and encourage other first-timers out there. Let it go.

Finn gumming the un-mopped kitchen floor. When I walked in and found him here I decided it wouldn't hurt him to do it a little longer . . . while I went and got the camera 

Big digging the rocks and sand out of his mouth. Who knows how many he got by us the first time.