Being Judged Sucks

So yesterday I made the decision to get the kids the H1N1 shot. The decision was not without much thought and prayer. Trust me when I say that it was an informed decision based on medical research.

The strangest part, however, is people's reactions when you tell them. There are 2 types of people: the ones who are so excited for you, ask where you got it and if they have any left, and the ones who curtly tell you that they are not getting their kids vaccinated.

People, being a mom is tough. All day, every day. And I think the toughest part is convincing yourself that you are making the "right" or "best" decision for your children.

I am not one of those people who is going to tell you what to do. I am not going to try to persuade you to my way of thinking. I fully believe that your children are YOURS and that only you have the right to make the decisions that effect them. (Short, of course, of abuse, etc.)

You can tell the type of person I am based on the decisions I make for my family. I breastfed both of my babies. We go without my paycheck so that I can be a stay at home mom. I only have 2 children instead of 1 or 3 or 4 or 18. I vaccinate my kids. In the same vein, I can tell what type of person you are based on your decisions.

Here's the thing though, regardless of my decision for my family - I am never going to judge the decisions you make for yours. Your kids got Enfamil out of a bottle? That's fine. You work full time outside the home? Good for you. You have 8 kids? More power to you. You would rather poke your kids eyes out than get them the H1N1 vaccination? I am perfectly okay with that. Of course I have OPINIONS about the decisions you make. I am a human being after all. But I don't think I am better than you are because I make different decisions than you've made. Really. I'm just glad to have you around to talk things out and to know that we are ALL in the same boat, making these choices together. And we are all just doing the best we can.

In the end, driving ourselves crazy about the "right" decision or the "best" decision is probably just a mute point. So many times our kids will be just fine no matter which decision we make, so it's probably just the best idea to do what feels right to you.

That's it. I am now stepping down off my soapbox for today. Feel free to call me if you want to chat... even if you think I'm crazy. We can still be friends. : )

I'll Have What She's Having

Cost of:

Trip to the ENT - $25
Having tubes put in - $300
Watching your 5 year old stoned on VERSED - Priceless

In the first video Molly is convinced that the outlets on the walls are moving around, and in the second, she is trying desperately to grab the "other" bracelet on her ankle. During the 40 minutes before surgery she also told me we were there to get her ears pierced, that I had 4 gumball eyes, and she asked repeatedly when the waiter was coming back.

In the end, the operation was successful and she can finally hear us again! She is now telling Brody that he talks too loud and keeps turning the TV down.

I'll leave you with this last video... it speaks for itself.

For Ann

This morning I ran in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk/Run. There were 14,000 Charlottonians travelling the 3.1 miles with me, so it was a bit of a challenge! I left my ipod at home and used the time I was running to think about Ann and her journey and how much better the world is with her as a part of it. I pray that she, and everyone else that is currently battling, beats this cancer and that a cure for this killer of young moms everywhere is found. Love you Ann!