Most days, “rocking” isn’t the word I’d use to describe how I’m handling motherhood. “Surviving,” “struggling through,” even “failing at” come to mind. 

That’s why I’m happy to be included in the #RockingMotherhood Challenge (big thanks to Brittany over at Coffee and Sarcasm for tagging me). It’s easy for me to keep track of my missteps, but I often ignore my successes. Doing this challenge forces me to acknowledge that I’m not so bad at this parenting thing. I’m not a complete mess. 

And it lets me compile a list — and you know I live for a list.

Before I get to the good part, I need to tag a few mamas to keep this ball rolling:

Erika from Dorky Mom Doodles, Kirsty from Honest K, and Katherine of Welcome To The Nursery — you’re up!

Here’s the rules of the challenge:

1. Thank the blogger who tagged you and link to her blog. 
2. List 10 (or more) things that make you a good mother.
3. Grab the #RockingMotherhood image and add it to your post or sidebar.
4. Tag three to five bloggers to join the #RockingMotherhood tag.

• I’ve resuscitated my childlike wonder.

Instead of watching the world on the boob tube, we go out and explore. We head into the backyard and feel the grass between our toes. We touch leaves and I talk to her about their differences. We try foods we’ve never had. We listen to all kinds of music.

I’m learning about new things — and learning to love new things — while teaching my daughter about life.

• Each day, I try to be a better mom than I was the day before.
• I read to my baby each day.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” That Dr. Seuss knew what he was talking about.

I wish I could take Baby Bird around the world. That’s not feasible at the moment, but there’s no reason I can’t show her the world through books. 

• I pray for my daughter.
• I do whatever’s necessary to care for and show love to my child.

I sing songs about poop, loudly and in public. I’ve whipped out a boob to feed her in front of friends, family, and while shopping in Macy’s. I gave the death stare to a creepy dude in an elevator who was itching to tickle Baby Bird’s feet.

Her happiness and welfare are my priority.

(Mama rant: Babies are cute — and they’re people. You wouldn’t want a stranger to walk up and tickle your tummy, so don’t do it to a strange baby. Respect children’s space!)

• My well of patience (with her) is bottomless.
• I take care of myself. 

I haven’t always been great at this. I’d put off eating or getting enough water (or sleep) because I was trying to be everything for everyone. But I need to be at my best for Baby Bird.

Now, I make it a priority to eat, stay hydrated, and move around — whether it’s a dance party with her or a walk through the park. Along that line …

• I started going to therapy.

How is this about rocking motherhood? Well, without therapy, my anger toward my husband might have ripped my family apart. 

I couldn’t allow that to happen. Our life means too much to me to let that happen. 

I’m rocking motherhood because I recognized that I was an emotional mess, and I took a step to get better. 

• I tell my daughter that she can do anything.

Does she understand what I’m saying? Probably not. But I think she’ll appreciate the encouragement years from now when some moron tells her that “girls can’t/shouldn’t do that.” 

• I’ve kept Baby Bird happy and healthy.

At the end of the day, that’s all that matters.