Slobber= LOVE

Lots of things change when you become a parent: perspective, curricular activities, budgeting, etc. I really shouldn't be so surprised, it is after all part of God's design. As we grow older we mature and learn to no longer speak and understand as children, but to put away childish ways. Of course, not all parents follow in this pattern (but I've already posted about that). I had a status on my facebook the other day that stated I was grateful for the God-given wisdom to know when it was time to put away childish things and become an adult. Though I have been an "adult" for several years now, my lifestyle TRULY reflected being grown-up once I had my son. Now that doesn't mean I have to be all old and boring, but it does mean that the things I find to be "fun" have changed. I would much rather spend a Friday night at home with my family bonding...or at a friend's house having dinner and talking. 

Most importantly, as a parent I want to lead a lifestyle that I would approve of my son seeing. Yes, I'm certain at some point in his life he will find out something about my "wild" (which really weren't all that so) days and attempt to levy this knowledge to do things of his own...but I never want him to think that as a parent I acted inappropriately. Mike and I strive to live a life that parallels our beliefs and also allows us to be pleasing to God. We want to be in alignment for the things God has in store for us, and to always be within His will. I've lived a small portion of my life apart from God and have found it to be chaotic and unpredictable (NOT something I want for my family). 

As I said, many things change when you become a parent. The things I view as important have changed quite a bit. While I used to have to fix my hair and wear makeup everyday (and had my nails and toes done), I now have no issue with only "fixing myself up" for church. It isn't that I don't take pride in myself anymore, but more so that the additional 45 minutes I would be getting ready are better spent cuddling my boy. My house doesn't stay as clean as I would like (but isn't dirty either) because I know that Chasten won't be this small and cuddly ever again and would much rather cherish my time with him than worry about mopping everyday. 

You know, had anyone ever told me that I could be peed on and not be disgusted...I'd laugh at them. Instead, now I laugh that I'm peed on. What got me thinking about this was the fact that Chasten has been giving "kisses" for a little while now. These kisses consist of him opening his mouth as wide as possible and pressing his slobbery self to my face (in various places). Though I may be covered in slobber, it excites me to have him want to love on me. Funny how that works, huh? :)