How to be the Best Mom Ever....

....or Breanne's list for the days when she doesn't feel like the best mom ever.

 1. Even when you aren't feeling well due to a lingering cold, morning sickness (just now in the 2nd trimester) and little energy, make the moments you have count. 

 

2. Take time to snuggle on the couch and read books. Even when it's the same book three times in a row.

3. Snack time is always a good thing especially when you make it into a picnic in the living room and it keeps a little person occupied for just that much longer.

4. Relax. Smile. Laugh. Even when you get to the library program a little late and your daughter is the only one not sitting on a lap but rather is dancing to the welcome song in the middle of the room. And continues to dance along with every song. You can teach her the sign language that was introduced that week at home.

5. Go to the park. Let your little one set the pace. If she wants to run all over the field, let her. All that fresh air will tire her out. If she would rather play on the 'big kid' playground, help her explore it. 

6. Stick with simple meals and activities. The ones you know she likes. Introduce new concepts one at a time.

7. Plan and anticipate dates. My husband and I are going for dinner tomorrow night at Corso 32. It's the "new kid on the block" in Edmonton's hip-local-organic-foodie dining scene and is headed by chef Daniel Costa, who is making waves in the Edmonton food scene. I'm very excited. A night out with my man, just the two of us.

8. Enjoy the breaks when they come but don't expect them. My sister and I are spending a few hours on Saturday together and the guys are watching the kids. My man offered, I accepted. It's so much easier to scout out a garage sale without also watching a little one.

9. Know your limits. There is no such thing as a super-mom cape so there is no need to try and earn it. The dishes can wait and so can the laundry. 

10. Life does move very fast. Focus on today and on the little one(s) that you have. Enjoy their discoveries, their smiles, the dirty diapers, and the fact that nap time and bedtime do happen.