Top 10 reasons why I am a good mommy

I have been dealing with a heavy dose of the mommy guilt lately. I put him in the swing instead of rocking him to sleep - guilt. I have to give him a bottle of formula at night because I screwed up my milk supply - guilt. I have to go back to work in 20 days - GUILT GUILT GUILT!

So, to try and make myself feel better I am going to write 10 reasons why I am a good mommy and focus on these, not the stupid negative guilt things. Here goes...

10. I always make sure Gage is properly bundled up for the weather. He usually has on maybe a layer too many, but he will not be the baby outside in the freezing cold wearing only a long-sleeve onesie (my mom saw that).

9. Even when I am sad or tearful, I always smile and act positive toward Gage. Maybe it's an act sometimes, but I never want him to think mommy is upset because of him. Stupid post partum hormones... you may leave now.

8. I sing to Gage every day. Whether its 'Twinkle Twinkle' or Bob Marley, we never have a day without music. Thankfully he is ok with my voice (as Randy would say "You're a little pitchy dawg").

7. I make sure to have a loving relationship with Shaun. The husbands need time too and by having the occasional date night or cuddle time, I am giving Gage parents who have a heathy, happy relationship. I want him to grow up seeing his parents in love.

6. I talk to Gage like he completely understands me. We have intense conversations. And I try (try is the keyword) to use minimal baby talk.

5. I always remember his medicine.

4. We play. I know that seems like a no-brainer, but playing with a 2 1/2 month old is tough. We talk with Mr. Whale, we shake a rattle, we dance around the kitchen. Seems boring to some, but to Gage it's everything.

3. I stuck with breastfeeding through the pain, bleeding, and frustration. I didn't give up and still haven't quit. I am giving him the best start possibly even though it hurt like you wouldn't believe and even though I will never look right in a two-piece again.

2. I stay flexible. Yes, it isn't ideal that he now has to have a formula bottle to fill up his ever increasing appetite. (The kid is a porker.) Do I like the fact that he is eating something not made by my body? Nope. Do I deal with it because it is what is best for him? Of course. He needs more than I can currently give him, so for now, this is what we do.

1. Top reason why I am a good mommy to Gage - I love this little boy more than anything in my entire life. I love him more than I ever thought possible. For the first time in my life, I truly understand unconditional love. I would die for him. Even though I have to work part time, and even though I can't physically hold him 24/7, I would do anything in the whole world to keep him safe, healthy, happy, and feeling loved. I think that makes for a pretty good mom.