I Don't Want To Multitask

While I was pregnant everyone mentioned learning to multitask, it was the only way I would get by. Multitasking isn't difficult for me; it is almost a good part of ADD, although not everything always gets finished. When I had Eliza I definitely learned how to multitask more efficiently, and usually one handed.


On a recent trip to the park I realized, I don’t want to multitask, I want to be present in the moment. As I was walking on the trails with Eliza a man walked by and said “what a good multitasker, talking on your phone, pushing a stroller, holding a bottle, taking pictures and spending time with your daughter.” He was genuinely complementing me, but it made me stop in my tracks, what was I doing? How is this quality time? Granted I was on the phone to Mark asking him to come pick us up because I had walked too far and was too tired to get back to the car (apparently this is not an important enough reason for him to leave work) that still wasn’t giving her the attention. I immediately put my phone away, took her out of the stroller and held her as she ate. I showed her all of the leaves changing, the ducks in the water, and just stayed in that moment.


As we drove home I realized how many moments I wasn’t really present for. Yes, I was there but so many other things were on my mind or in my hands that I wasn’t there for her. She does such a good job of entertaining herself that I worry I take advantage of that to get other things done. I realize she needs to learn to play alone, and not be hooked to me, but that is when I should be getting things done around the house, not updating here : )


 I don’t want her to ever feel I am not giving her the attention she wants or deserves. There is nothing in my life more important than her. She is growing up so fast, I don’t want to miss the few moments we have each day.


I made a vow to be in the moment with her. Less texting, googling, Facebook, blogging, and TV while she is up. I also want to limit myself with pictures of her. Obviously I want to take pictures to remember the moment, but I also want to remember it by being a part of it. I don’t need to get the perfect picture as I miss the perfect moment. I need to remember I can’t reason with a 9 month old by saying “just one smile and we will be done”, I need to be ok with the half smiles, stinky faces, or yawns that I get, because that was her in that moment.


Here are some photos from that day, I guess I was in the moment for some of it...

I wonder what sticks taste like

Ewww

So turn off the TV, put away the cell phone, and log off this blog…just remember to come back when the little ones are asleep!