Obama's 100 days started me thinking about the first 100 days of being a parent.  You begin before the 100 days of course with the 'campaign'-- first with your declaration of intent -- We're Expecting! and all of the hopes, excitement and dreams that that encompasses.  Then on to the reality...not all of the things you feel are exactly wonderful and true to your dreams, and the pregnancy glow you expected actually just looks like black circles under your eyes for some reason.

 

You're finally 'elected' and the baby arrives -- and you wake up the next morning thinking, what in the world did I want this job for???  You're scared, overwhelmed, and tired, but the real work is just starting!  No more naps, pampering pedicures, and people giving up their seat on the train to support you.  Why is it that you are a precious vessel when you're pregnant, with people smiling benignly at you in your pregnancy glow, yet shooting daggers at you when you hop the train with your beautiful children?

 

Anyway, Hallmark Holiday or not, you deserve a pat on the back for all that you've achieved and everything you do every day.  From the millions of loads of laundry, to the billions of tantrums dealt with, to the balancing act that you do every day just to get by...give yourself a break -- whether you're the mother you always dreamt you'd be, or some more realistic version, you are doing the most difficult job in the free world -- parenting -- and you're doing it daily, in the trenches, with little time off for good behavior.

 

Treat yourself to a little something in our Mother's Day boutique or forward this on to your hubby if he needs a few hints...a trip to the spa for a few hours of pampering, a day of beauty to hide those black circles, a quiet moment and a new book, a photo shoot to capture those angelic faces, a catered dinner, a new babysitting connection, or even a gem...find something here and enjoy!