I'll show you mine if you show me yours...

Wouldn't you know it -
 - on the one day of the week I can sleep in, I can't.

It started pretty early today - around 3:30 a.m. - when LC began fussing in her crib. I tried to let her fuss herself back to sleep, but it was soon evident that she needed a little help. I tip-toed out of the bedroom and into the living room where the dogs were curled up snoozing in the warm glow of the undecorated Christmas tree. Stealthily making it past the fur babies, I strategically picked my footing - around a minefield of blocks, bracelets, and stuffed animals - and made it into LC's room. There she sat, bare feet sticking out of the crib, tiny hands holding onto the rails, and tears streaming down her face. She just needed mommy. I wiped away the tears and rocked my precious baby back to sleep. Even though it was crazy early, I wasn't quite ready to put her down. The quiet, still moments with LC are few and far between, so even at 4:00 in the morning, I must cherish them. I rocked on and reached for my phone.

Facebook.

No one was up, but I hadn't surfed in a while.
I love seeing the posts and pictures - nosing in other people's lives.
But how often does that nosing turn toxic?
How many times have I looked at photos posted of friends out having fun and compared that to my current reality? That most often occurs at the most difficult times.
The times that I am exhausted. House an utter disaster.
Sleep deprived.
Stressed.
Lonely.
Covered in food or snot or milk --- none of which were mine...

The comparison game began as I rocked and rocked and rocked.
I tucked LC in and made the perilous journey back to my bedroom.
But I couldn't sleep.
The wheels were turning - the Facebook photos lingered in my mind.

The perfect Christmas decorations.
 --- mine are in the attic.
The great Christmas card family photos.
 --- nope. We didn't get one of those.
The friends out having fun.
 --- I spent Friday night at home.


It bothers me that we only put the pretty stuff out there to see.
It bothers me that it's in my nature to compare.
So that's why I always try to include a little bit of crazy.
Try comparing yourself to that.
I can't be alone in the comparison game, right? Please tell me I'm not the only one!
Maybe we can compare the crazy instead? I'll show you mine if you show me yours...?
Surely you too live in chaos sometimes.
Maybe...?
If not, think you could just tell me a little white lie to make me feel better? Isn't that what friends do? ;)

Whatever the case, here's a tour of my crazy.
Pitty me.
Laugh at me.
Or laugh with me!
Whatever the case, remember that we're all just doing the best we can.
And sometimes our best is just gonna be a little crazy.

Let's begin with meal time ---

Gotta learn to use a spoon...right? 

And we obviously need to rub our entire face when eating beans. Duh. 

Routinely forgetting to use a bib. #MomFail

Next up are a couple photos from the "While You Weren't Watching" series. 

Rolls and rolls of fun.

Here, LC is covered in coffee.
Don't worry.
It was cold coffee.
Because who has time to sit and actually enjoy a cup of coffee?

In my defense, it was on my night stand.
She must have gotten taller...

These are from the Fall Family Photo Fail series. 

Adam and I had a fight on the way there. We were late. And LC busted her nose at the end of the session. So glad I wore a nice cream sweater...

Bad hair.
Double chin.
Loads of fun.
*eye roll*

Yep. Keeper right here. 

And how could we leave off the wonderful attempt at a family photo on the beach?
Priceless. 

And I'll leave you today with a great video of LC and me playing Peek-A-Boo. 

Bless it. Don't worry, though. 

She didn't even cry!