As a first time mum of 1 and ttc number 2, there are a few things I would like to change this year. I want to come out of the other end of 2009 feeling like a mum instead of trying to feel the way I used to feel before I had kids. Pining for those size 8 tops and skinny jeans to fit me again; remembering the admiring glances that always came my way from the opposite sex. How many stolen minutes have I wasted in front of the mirror, pinching in my waist line or glancing at a pre-baby photo of myself? Tracing the silvery lines on my, now dimpled, thighs and feeling slightly less attractive, less deserving of my partners love and affection. I want to allow myself to overflow with love for my babies and their daddy, feeling proud of what I have and never feeling remorse for the body or the lifestyle I left behind - and this is how I plan on doing it in 2009…The Year of The Mom.
1). I will use my baby’s nap’s as “me time” and not “housework time”, to read a book, to take a shower, to have a nap…to do whatever I need to do.
2). Every Sunday afternoon I shall retire to the bathroom for 2 hours and shower, shave, pluck, brush, tan and manicure to my heart’s content. That way I will feel a little more attractive and a little less dishevelled each week.
3). Each time I look at my love handles or silvery stretchmarks I shall remind myself that a body is meant to be used. What good is a perfect size 8 figure when your dead? May as well get some miles out of this vehicle!
4). I will keep a stash of luxury cookies in the top cupboard where no-one will see them and I shall reward myself with one whenever I see fit.
5). Each morning, before I take one step out of my bedroom door, I’ll get myself dressed, hair brushed, make-up on, feeling ready to start the day.
6). After a stresful day with the sproglet, I will no longer turn to a bottle of wine and snacks for comfort – I will find comort in the arms of my partner, snuggled up on the sofa together.
7). Never again will I feel pressured to take part in the fashion show that is baby and toddler groups. I will not join in the competition of who can look their best, full face of make up, fashionable clothes, uncomfortable shoes. Instead I will put on my joggers and t-shirt and get down on the floor with my baby and take part in his adventure!
8). For 1 evening each week, I will go to an exercise class, where I can get fit, meet new people and spend an evening just being me – not mum, not housewife, just me!
If I can keep these things up this year I will be much happier, you know what they say….If mum’s happy, everyone’s happy 
This is 2009 – The Year of the Mum.
