Perspective

Sometimes I feel guilty about the fact that I work from home.  There are days when this little girl doesn't get the attention she deserves.  However, I let my mom guilt work in my favor today.  I coerced Anni to put her pants back on and asked her to pick out a hat, and we headed on our way.  The hat was definitely not what I had in mind, but other than the fact that we nearly lost it on our adventure, it was fortuitous as it made a perfect place to collect leaves.  We took a little trip across the street and into our neighborhood park, and when Anni stopped every few feet to sort everything (and I mean everything: rocks, leaves, wood chips, more leaves, more leaves...), I didn't get too impatient (I can't admit I wasn't impatient at all, I'm working on it).   

Most of the trip, she zoned in to her sorting.  However, when I started to sing the "Mr. Sun" song, adorable grins broke out.

I discovered a little pathway that is autumn beauty at it's best.  Fluttering leaves, golden light, and a sweet little girl, what more could a mama ask for?  Well, some things, but this was pretty good. 

See, sometimes, a little bit of that guilt is good for me.  It reminds me that my sweet will not be little forever, and there are only so many fall days in her 2nd year for me to take her leaf-sorting.  Balance between mommyhood and work will always be hard for me.  I was a photographer long before I was a mommy, so the transition is a little strange.  I've had to shift my perspective quite a bit, and I've realized, that if it comes right down to it, I'd rather disappoint a client (something I find terrifying and mortifying) than not take enough fall walks with my baby. 

The end.  ...and the beginning of mommy carrying the tired one home.