*slurp*

*slurp*

One of the many things that being a parent has taught me, it is “judge not, lest ye be judged.” Much like political views, everyone does what they do for a reason, whether or not they know or acknowledge it. Everyone has their differences, what works for one may not work for another yaddayaddayadda.

I practice a lot of so-called “natural” parenting techniques such as babywearing, co-sleeping and allowing my pirahna of a toddler continue to nurse as long as she damn well pleases extended breastfeeding,  most of what I do isn’t so much a reflection of my dedication to returning to a more natural, nurturing method of parenting  as it is a reflection of the fact that, well, I’m really f*cking lazy sometimes. Babywearing, co-sleeping and letting TLE hang from my boob whenever she wants extended nursing are all quick ways to a very happy baby. Sometimes too happy.

Oddly, my “natural” parenting pretty much end when it comes to food. There was a time when I made all of TLE’s food. I did my best to go as organic as possible. I vowed never to give her junk food, never to start her on the dreaded sugar habit.

Another thing that I’ve learned during my early days as a parent is to never say never. Because “never” eventually yields to either curious or whining child who just wanted to see what it was that Mommy was eating. And all it took was one sip of Coca-cola, one bite of French Fry, one nibble of a Cheeto and The Little Empress was hooked.

These days, TLE has a fascination with straws which is good because she’ll happily drink anything with a straw. The downside is that she gets mad if she’s NOT allowed to drink the yummy drink with the straw and will let out an ear piercing squeal if not allowed to enjoy the lovely drink with a straw. And, as it goes, when you give a baby a sip, she’ll want to hold the cup. For as long as possible. And don’t you dare try to switch it out for something, even if you tell her its hers. Because, silly Mommy, the cup that is hers is the one that is in her hand, who cares if it was Mommy’s drink in the first place.

So these days, I am that Bad Mommy ™ that lets her daughter hang onto a cup that is damn near as big as she is, slurping away happily. Eh, my daughter is happy and healthy and all that matters.