Stamp of Approval

The following things are OK:
(As far as I'm concerned)

It's OK to tell your kid that your "ears are hurting" if you want her to stop talking for one second of her life. Just one second. Of her life. ONE second with no talking. Please. I beg of you.

It's OK to take an hour or so every once in awhile to get your hair colored, get highlights, or do something just for you, that YOU want, that is not truly necessary. If my approval is not enough, (and it really should be) you can justify the time spent as setting a good example for your kids. If they see that you keep your $%#& up, they are likely to do the same.

It's OK to tell your daughter that today is Mini Skirt Day if you are dying for her to wear the skirt she always says "NO" to.

It's OK if you are out to eat and your kid is not quite able to communicate what she wants, to order two things that you really want and give her some. If she knew better, she would want those things too.

It's OK to let your dog sleep in the bed if your husband is watching TV in another room. It's also OK to let your dog sleep in the bed even if your husband is in the same room, and in the same bed.

It's OK to take a full day off work on your favorite celebrity's birthday because you feel it should be a holiday. 

It's OK that you know the words to many of the songs your kids like. What's In The Fridge by the Imagination Moviers is a jam. It is, however, a little odd to still be listening to the CD when the kids are no longer in the car and then, around 5 minutes into the drive, realize that the CD is not only still playing, but you are singing.

It's OK to borrow the awesome necklace you set aside for your daughter because she's not old enough to appreciate it anyway.  

It's OK to do a fun color on your toes when you get a pedicure, even if you feel you should stay conservative with the manicure. I keep the party on the bottom while my fingernails are all business. The mani/pedi is really the "Mullet of the Millenium."

It's OK to be just as excited as your kid when it's finally time to pick a treasure from the box at the doctor's office. There is good stuff in there. Who wouldn't want in on some of that?

It's OK to let your pooch help clean up after mealtime. It's him or it's you.

It's OK to be happy that you weren't the one home when your baby crapped herself and then happily distributed the goods to her crib and sheets.

It's OK to finish what you are doing while your child is wailing and the baby monitor colors are hitting rainbow status. You know your kid. You know the different cries. You know she's fine and you know she's safe. She's just ready to get out. Whatever with that. Finish what you're doing. You'll get there soon enough. A little patience is a great lesson to learn early on. Do you really want her to turn out like...well, like me?