Bubba bear, clutter, and our life

For Christmas, Kurt's mother bought Erin a teddy bear. We aren't just talking any cute little teddy bear either. Nope, we're talking a HUGE bear so big that GG strapped it in the passenger seat of the SUV and drove it around town! Needless to say, when GG arrived at our home for the holidays, Kurt could tell that I was less than thrilled to see this giant monstrosity being lugged up our stairs. While Kurt reminded me that I was the one who chose a bear theme for Erin's room, GG was kind enough to reassure me that this would be the only "large" purchase she would make for Erin. She said that she bought the bear for Erin to enjoy crawling on when she got older. At the time, it seemed so far away and unlikely. However, in GG's defense, she was right. When Erin can't find Mt. Daddy or Mt. Mommy to climb over, Bubba Bear makes a fitting substitute. He is also a wonderful wrestling partner and apparently also makes a great Kleenex!

So, why was I resistant to such a large stuffed animal being in our home when I love all things teddy bear? Well, as a self-proclaimed "neat freak" whose favorite hobby is apparently throwing things out, Bubba was a symbol. His mere presence and size were a threat to the order I liked to believe our lives still had. He served as a herald of the materialism that I did not want our child to get caught up in, and as a warning of all the clutter and chaos that could potentially overtake our home and lives.

However, what I failed to realize at the time was that I AM a mother. Regardless of what toys Erin does or does not have, she is happy to leave a trail of them behind her. Yes, there are times when we deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Erin. Regardless of how often we try to clean, she will still find the last thing that Shadow brought in or find something to throw on the floor. Regardless of how often I try to stick to the plan for the day, Erin doesn't even realize there is a plan. As much as I might want to pay attention to detail, there's a cute little girl who would much rather that I pay attention to her, and I am more than happy to oblige.

So, this is our life. For better or worse, clutter and chaos are just part of where we are and being parents. I don't have to embrace the mess, but I embrace being the Mommy of the one who helps create it. Sure, there will be plenty of "hurricanes" in our house, but hopefully, the joyful moments and happy memories will far out-weigh even the biggest of Bubba Bears.

Be blessed,

Christine

P.S. I wouldn't trade Bubba bear and all the happiness he gives Erin for anything in the world. (But I still hope GG's promise is one I never have to remind her of!)