Posted by Rosi, a resident of another community, on Oct 17, 2011 at 8:37 am

Thanks for sharing! Your mother's wonderful advice was matched by your wonderful willingness to give her advice a try! As a grandmother of kiddies who have benefited to gymnastics classes, I heartily agree, that gymnastics for toddlers is a great idea. Enjoy!

:)

Rosi

Posted by Elaine, a resident of the Cuesta Park neighborhood, on Oct 18, 2011 at 1:40 pm

I think you might be depressed or maybe misjudged motherhood and its demands and rewards. A common thread in all your articles is how you are always trying to find a break from your kids. Maybe you haven't noticed, but it's there. You whine when you have everything. Enjoy your kids now. Savor the time with them.

This article:

"I get to relax a little while my children follow the fabulous teacher around the gym and have a blast "in tow" of someone other than me."

Last week's article:

"Plus, while they slide, my husband and I sit on hay barrels, watch our children and actually have a conversation."

Two weeks ago:

"My husband asked if I wanted to buy a book for the flight. I laughed aloud and said I hadn't read a book on a flight since our oldest child was born 4 years ago."

Before you know it they will be grown up and gone and you'll have all the time in the world and regret writing these things.

Posted by Jennifer Fogliani, a resident of the Whisman Station neighborhood, on Oct 18, 2011 at 1:52 pm

@ Elaine

I consider myself a very honeset person - my writing is filled with both the ups and downs of parenting. I think feeling overwhelmed and like you need a break is a very common reaction for stay-at-home moms. It's what I feel at times and so it's what I share with the readers.

My blog is also filled with plenty of positive experiences and memories. I look forward to one day sharing it with my children when they are older - knowing me and how open and honest I am - I am sure my children will be able to understand my point of view.

Posted by MammaMia!, a resident of the Cuesta Park neighborhood, on Oct 18, 2011 at 6:38 pm

My goodness, must we be so judgmental? Any mother of preschoolers knows that opportunities to sit down for a few minutes are precious, and taking advantage of them doesn't make a mother's children any less precious to her. Smart moms take advantage of a little down time so they have more energy to devote to their little ones for the other 23.5 hours of the day.

Posted by Bubb mom too, a resident of the Cuesta Park neighborhood, on Oct 19, 2011 at 11:15 am

@Elaine

Yes, we love our children, but they have so much energy. Far more than we do. Children demand constant attention. It's hard to even think your own thoughts if you have a "talker." It was years before I could even go to the bathroom alone. Everyone needs some me time. I do agree that sometimes we need to remind ourselves to enjoy this time while we can.

@Jennifer

You are not a whiner. You are doing fine! Get your breaks in when you can. A tired and stressed out mom can be a grumpy mom.

Posted by Observer, a resident of the Old Mountain View neighborhood, on Oct 19, 2011 at 1:46 pm

I sometimes wonder just what percentage of the world, or of which classes, can possibly afford the luxury of some "me" time. It's a purely American construct.