Present

My father-in-law just posted this great article on Facebook. It's called, "How to Miss a Childhood." It basically talks about how this generation of parents has become so attached to their devices and electronics, that they are missing out on the precious moments of their children's lives. I've actually been thinking about these same things for a while, but it just put my thoughts (and more) in words I hadn't expressed. I feel like lately I spend so much time looking for contact with the "outside world" on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Blogs, etc. This happened to me after I had Owen as well. A new baby comes with a lot of time sitting and nursing, and being "stuck" at home. Sadly, this also equates to my phone being in my hand or at my side nearly 24/7. My friend, Shara, recently decided to do a FB fast. I teasingly made fun of her, but really had been thinking of doing the same thing. Prior to reading this article, I had considered it for different reasons:
- It feels like a waste of time
- I don't like feeling attached to checking statuses, comments, and likes
- I dislike the negativity (complaints, debates, harsh opinions against others)

But I kept telling myself that it was "important" to stay on to:
- Stay connected with long, lost friends and family members
- Make sure family has easy access to my blog
- Provide updates and pictures from our lives for family and friends
- Have up-to-date information of the world around me (I often find out major news happenings from posted articles, etc.)

And then I read this article. Which truly voiced the most important reason to leave it all behind. My children.

Yes, I have hours and hours with my kids every day being a stay-at-home-mom. Yes, I read books, play outside, do puzzles, smile and coo, make meals, wipe tears, rock and cradle, sing songs, chase, do piggy-back rides, snuggle, and love on my children every day. But in between all of that, I find myself distracted. Sadly, her words remind me of the moments when Owen says, "Put the phone down, Mommy!" or when my sweet Elsie looks up from eating to smile at me and it goes unnoticed. And lately, I've felt exhausted and overwhelmed. I don't have a lot of free time to get things done or have "me-time." (I am currently typing this as I nurse my baby and the toddler naps jumps in his crib.) And a lot of days honestly feel unfulfilled. But how much more fulfilled would my days be if they were wholly focused on uninterrupted, dedicated, attentive time? How much more fulfilled would I be? How much more fulfilled would my children be?

So it's time. I'm saying adieu to social network sites. I'm going to spend more time being present with my children, and less time being distracted by the computer/phone. I, of course, want to stay connected with people, and I know that won't happen for everyone. But if you want to reach me, I'll still have a phone and email (they just won't be checked as often) and I'm going to try to stay more up-to-date on my blog (our family history/journal that is much more worthy of my time).

I don't think this will be easy, nor do I think that all days will be blissful. However, I know that it will be an improvement to my and my family's lives. And that's all that really matters.