I was that mom, the one that cringed every single time someone, who knew things were challenging for me in life, told me that someday I would miss it. I never said a word to them in reply, I kept my thoughts and opinions to myself, but without fail I always thought “there’s no way I could possibly ever miss this!”

I look back and realize that although there are phases and stages that I didn’t enjoy at all and truly won’t miss, to say that I would never miss them being young, was so very very stupid of me. I knew it then, in a way, despite my disliking being told that, but now it’s happened.

To the young moms who are like me, and cringe when people tell you that… or worse yet, you spit it back in that person’s face with some kind of response, I urge you to be careful. For it is those very things, the ones we refute and deny the most, that will inevitably come back to bite us in the rear. It’s just a fact of life.

Reality Check, a little perspective.

To those who adamantly think that you will not miss this, I challenge your perspective. There are many many parents out there today who would give anything to be able to hold, speak to or see their child again.

It shouldn’t take tragedies like the Sandy Hook school shootings or yesterday’s tornado in Oklahoma, that wiped out an elementary school, to remind us that life is fragile, and we need to hold onto every moment we are given. Saying you won’t miss them is way too big of a risk, and such a slap in the face of parents who have lost their precious children, and would give absolutely anything in the world to be in the position you’re in.

I can tell you with absolute certainty that you would miss it if they were gone, taken from you, never to be seen again. You would miss it if this was the last moment you got to see them, hold them, touch them, hear their voice and yes, even hear them scream from the next room throwing the latest tantrum. If you want to say that you wouldn’t, I think it’s time you got a little perspective in life.

And yes, I am just as guilty of it as anyone else, except now I have somehow crossed over and have discovered that I actually do miss certain things from when my guys were younger!

To the admonishers….

Now, I do want to say right here and now… if you are one of the women who find it necessary to “encourage” other moms by telling them they will miss this, you may also want to consider refraining, because all it does is cause frustration, confusion and often a stubborn denial on the part of the younger mother. You and I both know that one day we will all miss our “babies”, it isn’t a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. But to the young mom who is going through challenges in parenting or finds the current stage in her life to even be a nightmare, these words are not going to be taken kindly.

It’s not the child’s fault!

As I said, I was the mom that denied it, one of the ones who refused to allow those words to even completely register in my head, because there were a few years where life felt like a living hell for me. But the thing that I realize, and want other moms going through that to understand, is that it is not our kids’ fault. They are part of our lives, they may be having a difficult time but we are their parents, they cannot control us. More often than not it’s circumstances in other parts of our lives, or occasionally it’s the difficulty of dealing with a child with special needs.

We are in control of how we handle it!

Not one of us is immune to challenges that are uniquely prevalent during the younger parenting years, but each of us has a choice how to handle it. I can guarantee you that yes, you will miss your children being young. You may even cringe at yourself when you realize it for the first time, I did. That feeling of “Oh no! It’s not possible is it?” Yep, it will happen. The question is, what will you do in the here and now to help get through with less trauma and stress?

If you’re saying you won’t miss it, I have to assume you’re enduring a difficult and traumatic time. It happens and yes, sometimes circumstances are out of our control, but our attitudes and intentions toward our children are always completely within our control.

Get answers, seek help.

I’m not going to get into the pressures of current cultural mindsets that do tend to make it seem like your options are more than limited. I am simply going to say that you need to search for the right answers for yourself, and not buy into anything that you are simply told, by people who do not live with your child day in and day out. Don’t believe everything they say or jump through every hoop that is suggested to you without doing your own research and investigation first, and making an informed and educated decision on whether it’s right for you or your child.

If you’re struggling with a special needs child, get help. It’s not easy, I do understand that, but you need to bring in people who can help you spend time where you can refresh mentally, physically and emotionally. It is essential that you be able to see things clearly day to day to make the best possible decisions and enjoy your child as much as possible.

If you are struggling with depression yourself, get help. Again, it’s not easy, but seek counseling and remember that you have to get healthy to help your family! It’s easy for moms to put ourselves on the back burner and take care of everyone else first, but there’s two problems with that…

If you’re not healthy you cannot properly care for those around you.
They watch you and learn by your example, what is your daily life teaching your children?

We all struggle sometimes!

You’re not alone! I am just as guilty as anyone else, of letting myself go in so many ways. But we all need to remember to focus on people not things. Don’t get caught up in the “should’s” or the pressures of the world around you to do and be everything you are not. I know I say this a lot but seriously people, at the end of our lives we do not take those things with us.

What are you leaving behind? Things, wealth, prosperity? or Love, faith, friendship and a legacy that will live on after you’re gone? Which do you want?

Make good things happen and don’t bother saying you won’t miss this… there will always be parts you’ll miss later on so it’s pointless to deny it.

Focus on what you can do to make now better, so that tomorrow you look back and smile about today!

Wittlebee

February 24, 2012 by Nancy

wittlebee 250 Wittlebee Updated 3/4/12 - Congratulations to our winner, Kimberly! Thank you to all that entered and keep an eye out for more fabulous giveaways! This winner was chosen using www.random.org.

I know I often say this, but I am SO excited to share this review with you!!! Since being contacted by Wittlebee, and receiving my first box, I have been telling everyone about this amazing company – literally – I even told the ladies at the Gap about it!

So, what is Wittlebee? Wittlebee is a service that delivers a box of kids clothes to your house every month for only $39/month. You work with a stylist to create a profile that tells them about your kids sizes, your style, and your preferences, and each month, a new box arrives filled with goodies from Gap, American Apparel, Hannah Anderson, and CottonSeed among others.

Each box contains 8 items, and Wittlebee mainly focuses on the basics, like leggings, shirts, onsies, socks, etc. The clothes are all brand spanking new, and totally in season! As a matter of fact, one of the shirts and one the pants that I received for my son from the Gap, were right up front a few days later when I visited my local store, and on top of that, I got them for a heck of a lot cheaper!!

I received a box from Wittlebee after talking to my personal stylist that contained items for both of my kids. Wittlebee is flexible like that – I have a son and a daughter and didn’t want to leave one out, so they split the box for me with no questions asked. Even though Wittlebee is a subscription service, you can also pause or cancel your membership at any time. My personal box contained 3 shirts for my son, a pair of pants for him, a beautiful tiered chiffon shirt for my daughter, a onsie, and two other shirts for her as well. They also threw in two pairs of BabyLegs which was a super fun surprise! Everything about this company is sophisticated and classic – from their choice of clothing, to their adorable, simple logo, to the packaging of the box.

Need more reasons to love Wittlebee? Well, in addition to the fact that you can return your clothes when you are done using them so that Wittlebee can give them to one of the charities that they work with, they also donate a onsie to a child in need for every box they ship.

I am the world’s worst photographer, and to boot my camera is lacking in skill, but here’s a shot of what my kids received.

You can’t see my son’s pants in the picture, but he did receive a pair of super soft warm-up pants from Gap as well. Can you believe that all of that only costs $39?!? And shipping is free?!? And I didn’t have to leave my house to get it?!? Pretty fantastic, don’t you think??

Okay, now it’s time for my favorite part of this job…here’s how YOU can get a free box from Wittlebee!! Each of the following counts as 1 entry. You must leave a comment below for each of the following you complete for your entry to count.

Like Wittlebee on Facebook.
Follow Wittlebee on Twitter.
Like A Frog in My Soup on Facebook.
Follow A Frog in My Soup on Twitter.

This contest will run until Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 7:00 pm EST. A winner will be chosen and announced shortly after. Good luck and happy entering!!!!

Disclosure: I received a Wittlebee box free of charge to review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine. You can read this site’s disclosure policy here.

Filed Under: Bloggity, Contests, Giveaways, Reviews & Giveaways Tagged With: Giveaways, great products, wittlebee

About Nancy

Nancy is a stay-at-home mom to 2 amazing children – a 4 year old son, and a 1 year old daughter. Her children are the loves of her life, and the center of her world. In addition to being a full time mommy, she is also a blogger, social media consultant, and adjunct professor of mathematics.

Nancy has been married to her wonderful husband for 6 ½ years. Her family lives in Connecticut with their little black cat “Ollie”, and big mutt “Chewbacca”. Her house is currently being overrun by super heroes and baby dolls.

Comments

Megan says:

February 24, 2012 at 8:06 am

I like Wittlebee on FB!
Megan says:

February 24, 2012 at 8:07 am

I am following Wittlebee on Twitter
Megan says:

February 24, 2012 at 8:08 am

I like A Frog In My Soup on FB
Megan says:

February 24, 2012 at 8:09 am

I am following A Frog in my Soup on Twitter
Adrianne B. says:

February 24, 2012 at 8:12 am

I liked Wittlebee and A frog in my soup on Facebook!
I followed Wittlebee and A Frog in my Soup on Twitter!
Sarah Ashkar says:

February 24, 2012 at 8:25 am

Awesome giveaway!!!! I like Wittlebee on Facebook.
Vickie Couturier says:

February 24, 2012 at 8:25 am

•Like Wittlebee on Facebook.
vickiecouturier
vlbelk(at)Hotmail.com
Sarah Ashkar says:

February 24, 2012 at 8:25 am

I like A Frog in My Soup on Facebook
Vickie Couturier says:

February 24, 2012 at 8:26 am

•Follow Wittlebee on Twitter.
@vickiecouturier
vlbelk9at)hotmail.com
Sarah Ashkar says:

February 24, 2012 at 8:26 am

I followed you on Twitter (@trnsplantdtopal)
Sarah Ashkar says:

February 24, 2012 at 8:26 am

I followed wittlebee on Twitter (@trnsplantdtopal)
Vickie Couturier says:

February 24, 2012 at 8:27 am

•Like A Frog in My Soup on Facebook
vickiecouturier
vlbelk(at)Hotmail.com
Vickie Couturier says:

February 24, 2012 at 8:27 am

•Follow A Frog in My Soup on Twitter.
@vickiecouturier
vlbelk9at)hotmail.com
Shelbey says:

February 24, 2012 at 8:44 am

I like Wittlebee on FB!
Kim Evans says:

February 24, 2012 at 9:45 am

Following a frog in my soup on twitter
Kim Evans says:

February 24, 2012 at 9:45 am

Following wittlebee on twitter
anne O says:

February 24, 2012 at 12:59 pm

I like A frog in my soup
anne O says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:00 pm

I like Wittlebee on FB as well:) Been waiting to try out one of the boxes would love to try for free or get one for my 2.5 yr old & a box for my baby due the end of april
Janina Cornelius says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:08 pm

I did all the following:
Like Wittlebee on Facebook.
Follow Wittlebee on Twitter.
Like A Frog in My Soup on Facebook.
Follow A Frog in My Soup on Twitter.
Rachel Carrico says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:11 pm

Liked Wittlebee on facebook!
Rachel Carrico says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:12 pm

Following wittlebee on twitter!
Rachel Carrico says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:13 pm

LIked Like A Frog in My Soup on facebook!
Rachel Carrico says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:14 pm

Following a frog in my soap on twitter!
robert hogan says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:20 pm

Liked Wittlebee
robert hogan says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:21 pm

Following Wittlebee @hiloecho
Sara Campbell says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:21 pm

I liked A Frog in my Soup on Facebook
robert hogan says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:21 pm

Liked A Frog in My Soup
robert hogan says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:22 pm

Following A Frog in My Soup @hiloecho
Sara Campbell says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:24 pm

I followed A Frog in my Soup on Twitter.
Anne Sopiarz says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:26 pm

I like your blog on facebook! Cute name!
Mary A says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:27 pm

I like Wittlebee on FB as mgloro
Anne Sopiarz says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:27 pm

I like Wittlebee on facebook.
Laura R says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:29 pm

I already “like” Wittlebee on facebook.
Laura R says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:30 pm

“Liked” A Frog in My Soup on facebook
Lindsey says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:36 pm

I’m a fan of Wittlebee on Facebook!
Lindsey says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:37 pm

I follow on Twitter! (@kindred_spirit)
amber shelton says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:44 pm

Like wittlebee on facebook.
amber shelton says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:46 pm

Like a froginmysoup on facebook
Jessica Byers says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:54 pm

I like whittlebee on facebook! Jessica Byers
Jessica Byers says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:55 pm

I like A Frog in My Soup on facebook! Jessica Byers
Jen says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:56 pm

Like AFIMS on FB.
Jen says:

February 24, 2012 at 1:57 pm

I follow AFIMS on Twitter.
Jen says:

February 24, 2012 at 2:00 pm

Following Wittlebee on FB
Erin Lowmaster says:

February 24, 2012 at 2:04 pm

I Like Wittlebee on Facebook. (erinlowmaster)

erinlowmaster at gmail dot com
Jen says:

February 24, 2012 at 2:04 pm

Following Wittlebee on Twitter.
Erin Lowmaster says:

February 24, 2012 at 2:04 pm

I Follow Wittlebee on Twitter. (@erinlowmaster)

erinlowmaster at gmail dot com
Erin Lowmaster says:

February 24, 2012 at 2:05 pm

I Like a Frog in my Soup on Facebook. (erinlowmaster)

erinlowmaster at gmail dot com
Erin Lowmaster says:

February 24, 2012 at 2:06 pm

I follow a Frog in My Soup on Twitter! (@erinlowmaster)

erinlowmaster at gmail dot com
Kara Norris says:

February 24, 2012 at 2:16 pm

I liked Wittlebee and AFIMS on Facebook! Have heard about Wittlebee and have been wanting to try it!
Sarah says:

February 24, 2012 at 2:17 pm

Liked Wittlebee on facebook
Sarah says:

February 24, 2012 at 2:17 pm

Liked A Frog in my Soup on Facebook
Kimberly Hutchins says:

February 24, 2012 at 3:17 pm

Following Wittlebee on twitter
Kimberly Hutchins says:

February 24, 2012 at 3:18 pm

Following afroginmysoup on Twitter.
Kimberly Hutchins says:

February 24, 2012 at 3:18 pm

Liked Wittlebee on fb
Kimberly Hutchins says:

February 24, 2012 at 3:19 pm

liked afims on fb
Lara S. says:

February 24, 2012 at 3:46 pm

I’m a fan of Wittlebee on Facebook
Thanks!
Lara S. says:

February 24, 2012 at 3:46 pm

I’m a fan of A Frog in my Soup on Facebook
Thanks!
Barbara Monigan says:

February 24, 2012 at 4:32 pm

Like Frog in my soup
Barbara Monigan says:

February 24, 2012 at 4:32 pm

like wittlebee
Barbara Monigan says:

February 24, 2012 at 4:33 pm

follow frog in my soup on twitter
Barbara Monigan says:

February 24, 2012 at 4:33 pm

follow wittlebee on twitter
Natalie says:

February 24, 2012 at 4:50 pm

I liked Wittlebee on facebook.
Natalie says:

February 24, 2012 at 4:51 pm

liked a frog in my soup
Jessica Burns says:

February 24, 2012 at 4:55 pm

What a great idea, follow wittlebee on facebook
Katy Harvey says:

February 24, 2012 at 5:47 pm

I am now following Wittlebee on Twitter (@KHarvey26). This is such a great idea!
Chelsea Curran says:

February 24, 2012 at 6:28 pm

Like wittlebee on facebook
Chelsea Curran says:

February 24, 2012 at 6:28 pm

Follow Wittlebee on twitter
Chelsea Curran says:

February 24, 2012 at 6:29 pm

Follow frog in my soup on twitter
Amy Fincher says:

February 24, 2012 at 7:01 pm

I like A Frog In My Soup on fb.
Amy Fincher says:

February 24, 2012 at 7:01 pm

I like Wittlebee on FB!
Amy Webster says:

February 24, 2012 at 7:02 pm

I like Wittlebee and A Frog in My Soup on Face Book.
Jessica says:

February 25, 2012 at 7:05 am

I liked Wittlebee on Facebook
Jessica says:

February 25, 2012 at 7:06 am

I liked Wittlebee on Twitter
Jessica says:

February 25, 2012 at 7:06 am

I liked A Frog In My Soup on Facebook
Jessica says:

February 25, 2012 at 7:07 am

I’m following A Frog In My Soup on Twitter
Erin F says:

February 25, 2012 at 9:55 am

I follow you on FB!
Tamara Sz says:

February 25, 2012 at 11:13 am

I Like Wittlebee on Facebook

Tamara Sz.
Tamara Sz says:

February 25, 2012 at 11:13 am

I follow Wittlebee on Twitter

@szogediek
Tamara Sz says:

February 25, 2012 at 11:15 am

I Like A Frog in My Soup on Facebook.
Tamara Sz says:

February 25, 2012 at 11:15 am

I folllow A Frog in My Soup on Twitter

ID: @szogediek
SaraCampbell says:

February 25, 2012 at 1:14 pm

I follow Wittlebee on Twitter as @saraleh27
Sara Campbell says:

February 25, 2012 at 1:16 pm

I follow Wittlebee on Facebook as briansmama (Sara Campbell)
Marilyda says:

February 25, 2012 at 9:07 pm

I liked Wittlebee on fb. I’m excited to try them out!
Sarah says:

February 26, 2012 at 6:52 am

I follow wittlebee on FB (Sarah Bee)
Sarah says:

February 26, 2012 at 6:52 am

I follow a frog in my soup on FB (Sarah Bee)
Sarah says:

February 26, 2012 at 6:53 am

I follow wittlebee on twitter (@yes_teacher)
Sarah says:

February 26, 2012 at 6:53 am

I follow a frog in my soup on twitter (@yes_teacher)
Mona - OliveJuice Stylez says:

February 26, 2012 at 4:22 pm

I liked Wittlebee on Facebook! Too bad there’s not a LOVE button!
Mona - OliveJuice Stylez says:

February 26, 2012 at 4:24 pm

Following Wittle Bee on Twitter. @olivejuicestylz
Mona - OliveJuice Stylez says:

February 26, 2012 at 4:25 pm

I liked Frog in My Soup on Facebook!
Mona - OliveJuice Stylez says:

February 26, 2012 at 4:26 pm

Following afroginmysoup on Twitter. @olivejuicestylz
jacqueline says:

February 26, 2012 at 5:40 pm

i follow wittlebee on twitter jmmccarr@gmail.com
jacqueline says:

February 26, 2012 at 5:41 pm

i follow u on twitter jmmccarr@gmail.com
shannon says:

February 26, 2012 at 6:07 pm

Following Wittlebee on twitter (@channynn).
Kristi P says:

February 26, 2012 at 8:04 pm

I liked wittlebee on FB.
Kristi P says:

February 26, 2012 at 8:04 pm

I follow wittlebee on twitter @secretsofkristi
Kristi P says:

February 26, 2012 at 8:04 pm

I liked you on FB.
Kristi P says:

February 26, 2012 at 8:05 pm

I follow you on twitter @secretsofkristi
Rochelle Luaders says:

February 27, 2012 at 7:54 am

I like wittlebee on fb!
Rochelle Luaders says:

February 27, 2012 at 7:55 am

I like a frog in my soup on fb too!
lhaura Spurlock says:

February 27, 2012 at 7:22 pm

I like Frog in my soup on fb and wittlebee on fb
Dainelle says:

February 27, 2012 at 9:42 pm

I Liked Wittlebee on Facebook. (awesome concept!)
Dainelle Carlisle says:

February 27, 2012 at 9:45 pm

Also liked a frog in my soup.
kristie Belding says:

February 27, 2012 at 11:15 pm

I “liked” Wittlebee on Facebook.
kristie Belding says:

February 27, 2012 at 11:15 pm

Following Wittlebee on Twitter.
kristie Belding says:

February 27, 2012 at 11:17 pm

“Liked” A Frog in My Soup on Facebook.
kristie Belding says:

February 27, 2012 at 11:17 pm

Following A Frog in My Soup on Twitter (kris_1492).
Charlsie says:

February 28, 2012 at 1:52 pm

Like wittlebee on FB
Kary_Fb says:

March 1, 2012 at 8:50 am

I liked Wittlebee on Facebook: Kary Weerd
Kary_Fb says:

March 1, 2012 at 8:51 am

I liked you on Facebook: Kary Weerd
Kary_Fb says:

March 1, 2012 at 8:53 am

I followed you on Twitter: @Kary_Fb
Kary_Fb says:

March 1, 2012 at 8:53 am

I followed WittleBee on Twitter: @Kary_Fb
Lauren S says:

March 1, 2012 at 4:43 pm

I like Wittlebee on facebook as Mary Monahan
ldombeck@hotmail.com
Lauren S says:

March 1, 2012 at 4:44 pm

I like you on facebook as Mary Monahan.
ldombeck@hotmail.com
Lauren S says:

March 1, 2012 at 4:45 pm

I follow Wittlebee on Twitter as Lara Sacks.
ldombeck@hotmail.com
Lauren S says:

March 1, 2012 at 4:46 pm

I follow you on Twitter as Lara Sacks
ldombeck@hotmail.com

Like many moms of little girls, one of my favorite things to shop for are hair accessories for my daughter. The more sparkles, colors & patterns, the better! She has enough clips, bows and headbands to wear a different one every day of the year, but I still love buying them! I was recently introduced [...]

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