Hurricane Annabelle

With newfound mobility comes newfound adventures. With newfound adventures comes newfound messes to clean up. I suppose that is all a part of the precious "baby years" that moms love and treasure long after the kids have married and moved away. I can't remember the last time my house was clean and organized (like it used to be) but I am constantly reminding myself that these years pass so quickly and that I should enjoy them while I have them. I have formally given up following Annabelle to pick up all the stuff she knocks off the shelves or pulls out of the drawers. I love watching her like this - totally enthralled in the simpleness of everyday life. How great life would be if we all took such pleasure in the simple things! Sometimes it is a challenge to keep up with her (she has quite an advantage over me, as she is much younger and quicker than I!) and I sometimes find myself in the position of "choosing my battles" so to speak. Do I *really* care if she pulls all of the DVDs out of the cabinet? Is that *really* hurting anything or anybody? Does it *really* matter if she opens empty drawers and pulls them completely off their tracks? Is it *really* a bad thing if she dumps all the magazines out of the cozy little basket they call home? No, these things are not major issues. Yes, Annabelle *must* keep her hands out of the fireplace (the pilot light is always burning.) No, she *can't* play in the knife drawer. No, the litter box is *not* the same as a sand box. I have learned to pick my battles and not be as uptight as I used to be. In time, I will get the hang of it. Hopefully.

Besides, now I have a legitimate excuse for my messy house in the event that unexpected guests drop by and I haven't felt like cleaning that day. Or the day before. Yes, I blame it on the baby!