I Surrender All (even Fashion Sense)

I remember when my cousin had her first baby shortly after I had Ellie while I was pregnant with Kiki. I was worried about how I was going to handle keeping 2 babies alive and thriving without losing my mind and she was concerned about perfect parenting.  Her mom told me that she couldn't stand for her daughter to have a dirty face - that it was somehow a reflection of bad parenting... I just chuckled to myself at the thought of what a rude awakening she was in for when that little bundle would first spit out mashed peas on her last clean outfit while at a restaurant or throw up all over her at the mall. 

I learned pretty early that my controlling tendencies would be tested time and again and that there would be daily surrenders of wills as I picked my battles. My 2 older girls started 

dressing themselves at a very young age. They usually needed help with buttons and tights but with little princesses that always wanted to wear dresses, there wasn't too much embarrassment or a fear that there was a poor reflection on my mothering due to their clothing choices. 

I just chuckle daily as my 2 year old comes down the stairs, ready to start her day - NEVER in a dress voluntarily, never with matching top & pants but ALWAYS with a smile on her face as she's empowered to make her own choices! So here's to daily surrender - I delight in knowing that my kids feel loved and secure in themselves!