Ah Patience!

I am trying desperately to teach patience to my daughter. There are days she does really well, and other days I wonder if she's ever heard me. Then yesterday rolled around. Yes, it was Audrey's birthday, it should be a day filled with fun, laughter, and excitement. She certainly had all of those elements as part of her day, but there was also frustration, yelling, disrespect, and even lack of patience - and I contributed to most of that! The day started early, after a night of not sleeping well for me. Audrey was ready for the day at 6:30 (like Mary, that's early for me), but on top of that I had been awake for no apparent reason from 3-5:30. So, I had finally fallen back to sleep when my darling birthday girl came in to wake me for the day. I was not ready....I don't think I ever recovered. I was frustrated and irritated at anything she did that was the least bit of a "bother" for me. By 12:30 we were both spent for the day. She needed a nap badly, and so did I. With afternoon plans, I was hopeful it would be better. For the most part, it was. It was one of those "why was I created to be a mom" days...and what was worse, it was on my daughter's birthday. After venting about the day to Albert, I realized how much I contributed to our day. I need that very lesson of patience that I teach Audrey. It was MY day, when God probably thought, "Does she hear anything I am saying?". I am waiting for this baby to come, surviving with little sleep, and trying to take care of a preschooler. It can certainly be tiring, but doesn't warrant my behavior. I owe Audrey a huge apology, and am hopeful today (after a full nights sleep...AND her sleeping in) that we will have a much better day.