Yesterday, I tried to play Supermom.

As someone that quite vocally rejects the idea of the perfect parent, this was entirely out of character. But I woke up inspired: to try to be organized, and responsible, and run like clockwork. To be like those mamas that seem to have it all together- to workout, and shower, and wear something besides spandex, and perhaps have a thriving career to boot.

And so I woke up early-before Madeline, who rarely sleeps in past 6:30. I was up before 6. I had my coffee, and was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when she came into our bedroom at 6:15. I organized what we needed for the day- to leave the house by 8:15 to take MM to her dentist appointment, then camp; after which I would work out, shower, change, do some work, clean the house and maybe even put on my face before heading to an afternoon play date. I would pull it off and look impossibly effortless.

But my toddler had other plans.

To her credit, she nailed her dentist appointment. I have found the only human alive that enjoys getting her teeth cleaned. And her name is Madeline Mae. But for some reason, this morning shift in her schedule made her suddenly camp-adverse. And she cried and begged and pleaded not to go. I resisted at first; it stifled my plans- my kid-free dreams of a crossing off my check list; and a shower and maybe even a cute outfit.

But she’s three.

And there are more important things than perfect attendance- at her camp or my SoulCycle. So I took my toddler to the beach. With my dirty hair and imperfect mom-bod. We laughed and played and ate snow cones and made new friends while playing with a few old ones. We chased minnows and stepped on stones and dug holes and filled buckets of water. So many buckets of water.

And it was one of my best days with her thus far.

And it reminded me of what my job as a mom really is; and what it isn’t.

It isn’t about having it all together; or keeping a schedule or a clean house or looking perfect or effortless on a Thursday at noon.

It’s about love and learning and trusting our gut; and creating memories with our littles that keep us laughing and smiling well beyond the moment.

And it’s about rolling with it, and surrendering to the chaos- because in life, sometimes our children have other plans for us.

And, sometimes, it’s just what we need.