Times Have Changed

As we were leaving home tonight to go on a call with my husband, it occurred to me that times have changed in the mother "hood." The most obvious evidence of this fact was apparent in my youngest child's outfit. Allow me to describe what she had on: a long sleeve t-shirt with the word "cowgirl" in rhinestones, jeans, cowboy boots, and, over her clothes, a Snow White costume, complete with tiara. Those of you who knew me when my twins were little are aware that no how, no way, over my DEAD body would my kids have left home dressed this way. I have often said that they were my "practice kids" and I think that this illustrates that point pretty well. My husband informed me that I should have lightened up sooner. Maybe he's right, or maybe I'm just tired. Either way, she looks stupid cute and I'm really trying not to let it bother me.

So fine, I admit it. I let her eat in the living room, I let her wear Halloween costumes and leave home with no shoes on (occasionally by accident). I let her eat when she wants to instead of on a finely tuned schedule. I don't even force her to take a nap every afternoon. I can hear her sisters now, complaining in unison that all of the above is unfair. And they could be right...but practice makes perfect, right? Maybe I am making colossal mistakes with this child. I don't really know, but at least I'm making different ones this time around. I think.