The Good Stuff in Life
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| Caleb at graduation this spring |
Yes, I also have baby pictures...would you like to see one?
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| This poor child. It was May. I was afraid he'd freeze, hence the snowsuit. He broke out in a rash, so I bundled him up and took him to his doctor. She told me it was prickle heat rash. Seems snowsuits in 70 degree weather is overkill. |
I'd have to potty train him. Teach him to walk. To talk. To be a human being.
I read tons of child rearing books, consulted with pros at work and with every parent I knew. My dad once joked that I wasn't raising the child, I was developing him. My sisters warned me that I worried so much, I was going to make the poor fella a neurotic mess.
But I wanted to do everything right. And by right, of course, I meant perfect.
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| At the beach for slower paced fun. |
Fortunately, I had my mom and my grandma to set me straight.
My grandma told me to relax and trust myself. Trust that as a mom, I love this child more than anyone else ever will. I know when he is sleepy, hungry, or just being a brat and I should adjust my parenting accordingly. That I know what needs done.
My mother told me to always remember that childhood is a fleeting thing. Appreciate it. Pause the quest for perfection and relax. Play a game. Read a book. Spend time with them.
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| We clocked a lot of hours at football fields! |
We were and and never will be perfect parents. But we managed to raise some perfect kids. And this guy, our starter boy, has grown into the kind of man any parent would happily brag about. Not just for his accomplishments, because he does work hard and is deserving of praise, but for who he is too. He is generous and helpful. Loving, kind, and loyal.
This is my very windy way of saying congratulations to my son, Boy #1. He passed the Uniform Bar Exam. He's now eligible to practice law in multiple states and will now be assuming his own food bill. It's a happy day in the Seckman house.
Congratulations Mom You did a great job with him and it shows. You have four awesome sons. And we all learn as parents as we grown with our kids. I hope I do as well as you and Chad have.
ReplyDeleteYou will. You love them and always put their needs first. You're a natural, Ruthie.
DeleteSuch a lovely post. And such a cute baby picture, too!
ReplyDeleteHe was an adorable baby...well, after a bit. He looked a bit like an alien at birth. All squished up and bruised.
DeleteCongrats to you and him.
ReplyDeletelol yeah, that might have been a bit of overkill in 70 degree weather.
Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking. Made total sense at the time.
DeleteWell written Elizabeth. Awesome job Caleb. Super proud of you handsome.
ReplyDeleteHigh fives, handsome.
DeleteMany congrats to the boy and to you. You did good. I know you are soooo proud. You look more like his sister than his mom in the pic. I've got the same parents and football player pic sitting on my bookcase.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Okay, maybe not the same:) but a parents and football player pic:)
DeleteI just couldn't love you more, Sandra.
DeleteFellow football mom hugs.
That is awesome! I have no doubt that you are one of the best parents out there. Your son is proof.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I tell them when they start to pick on my parenting. LOL.
DeleteCongrats to your son and to you for raising him right.
ReplyDeleteI do have some good boys!
Delete'perfect' is like that imaginary number in math
ReplyDeleteExactly! Or for me, any math.
DeleteCongratulations! You did a great job as a mom :) I love the bundled up picture.
ReplyDeleteIt always makes me laugh. What was I thinking?! And the bottle too. He was breastfed, but I was afraid he'd starve between our house and the doctor's office evidently because I had a bottle ready for on the go. LOL
DeleteHonestly, he's such a good guy, he made it easy.
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday. Has the boy started working yet? Passing the bar is HUGE.
ReplyDeleteHave a great one.
Hugs
Yes, he started work in September, so he REALLY needed to pass the bar!
DeleteIt is truly a wonder that our children survive us. However, they can also thank us. Hee hee.
ReplyDeleteI know, right?!
DeleteI've always said that we can't take too much credit when our kids do well, nor take too much blame when they screw up. They're their own people, even from the time they're little. Isn't it amazing how different each of them were personality-wise almost from the beginning? BUT... you have every right to be proud. Heck, you should be busting the buttons off your shirt. Passing the bar on the first attempt is a BIG deal. Being a kind and caring human being... like his parents... is an even bigger one. Congratulations, kiddo. Ya done good.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. My boys were raised with a lot of prayers. This is a harsh world and the idea that anyone- parents especially- can control everything is insane. He's a good kid. For that, I am blessed.
DeleteYour 4 boys (grown men now:) are truly an inspiration to me. Job well done to you, Chad - and then lads, too - starting with #1. Wishing him all the best for his future achievements!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mark. I'm sure your handsome fellas will do just as well.
DeleteCongratulations.
ReplyDeleteSuch great news, may he go from strength to strength!
ReplyDeleteThat is a blessing to cherish!
DeleteCongratulations to you all.
ReplyDeleteThumbs up to the boy.
ReplyDeleteYOU have a great day. Hope the muse is hollering in your ear.
Congratulations to you and him! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteI aspire to be as great as mother as you. Woot for your son! Woot!
ReplyDeleteWell done, mama! You did a great job :)
ReplyDelete