Girls Rule

the whole world in my hands

Apparently it was National Daughter Day on 9/25. Every day is a National something or other day. Coffee, dog, pizza, you name it. I usually ignore these "holidays." They're cheesy and there is enough on everyone's plate. But on the other hand, I suppose an excuse to celebrate something or someone these days can be a welcome distraction.

I missed National Daughter Day on Friday but I will post a quick tribute to my girl gang here. Liv and Mia are the lights of my life, my soulmates (along with Hubs). I am totally obsessed with my girls. They inspire me and teach me every day. They challenge me and drive me nuts. I love being with them and hearing what they have to say. At times (every day? eek) I cannot wait until they go to bed, so I can feel free, ever so briefly. But as soon as they're sleeping, I look at photos of them on my phone. I miss them and cannot wait to snuggle them in the morning. Sometimes it's "all joy and no fun." Sometimes my kids are the most fun to be with. Sometimes they drive me mad. If I actually get mad, Liv sings "you can choose to be kind..."

I am a bit embarrassed to admit that before I had Liv, I wanted boys. I grew up with brothers, and the first kid I fell for was a boy, my nephew. I was not a "kids person" prior. I thought, I am a Boy Mom. Of course, I prayed for healthy babies no matter the sex. But I also had a strong preference. When the doctor announced to me and Hubs that I was pregnant with a girl, I said something along the lines of, "We're screwed." I cried. When we told our parents I said "No pink!" Of course this likely has more to do with me and my own issues and even society's views towards, and treatment of, women than me just wanting male babies. And thinking that boy baby clothes are cuter. They are ;) Whatever it was, I got what I needed, not what I thought I wanted.

Before having girls, I am ashamed to admit, I didn't give much thought to feminism. I took women's current rights for granted. I was so indoctrinated, I didn't notice the constant microaggressions against myself and my fellow females. Now I am awake, and I am all about raising strong women during this pivotal time for women's rights. There is no better phrase than "self, self," Mia's constant refrain, my little firecracker wanting to be independent. I also love hearing my girls lift each other up. Today the girls were working on their jumps in the pool and Mia said, "Good job Livvy!" Liv said, "Mia you look like a superhero." 

Here's to my superheros, my daughters, on National Daughter Day and every day,
AES