Declaring my Independence

The Fourth of July is here with fireworks, sparklers, BBQs and, of course, the adorable outfit and matching ribbons I bought for Nicole. I won’t lie — I take it out of her closet and look at it sometimes because it makes me happy.

As I’ve been thinking about Independence Day this year, I’ve decided there are a few things from which I’d love to declare my own mommy independence:

1. The push-up bra — I must admit, I have a love-hate relationship with underwire. I love that it restores my anatomy somewhat to pre-baby form, but I hate that I wear something that can set off the metal detectors at an airport. Oh yes, I’ve been frisked while a loud security woman exclaims, “It seems to be around your chest area.” Yes, OK, I’m artificially boosting up the girls and if that’s against FAA regulations, I don’t care.

2. WebMD — Every rash, fever, runny nose and split end on Nicole sends me running to WebMD, which really should be my homepage. Sadly, the symptoms for the common cold are also the symptoms for about 20 fatal diseases, so I often find myself whirling into a tizzy of fear and speculation.

3. Mommy Guilt — You know, that nagging feeling that keeps you up until 4 a.m. finishing a scrapbook of your baby’s first year of life complete with color-coordinated papers and vivid descriptions of her first poop. Mommy guilt makes us do all sorts of crazy things to make us feel like we’re keeping up with all the other moms.

As a mother, what would you like to be free from on this Independence Day?