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On Tuesday, I wrote a tough post about Mazzy acting out on a shopping trip and I want to thank you all so much for your sympathetic and helpful responses. (Above is Mazzy in happier times, aka the times I buy her love with ice cream and sprinkles.)

I actually didn't post yesterday because I wanted to take the time to make sure I responded to all your comments, but instead I answered three and fell asleep on my couch with my computer in my lap.

As many of you know, the only reason I am able to hold a full-time job, be a mom and write a blog is because typically, I do not require much sleep.

Well, that appears to be changing.

These last couple of weeks, I have been EXHAUSTED. Which (f you've noticed) is why I've barely written for Babble this month. 

I needed a bit of a break.

Or a good night's sleep.

One or the other.

Or both.

Both would be WONDERFUL.

The first comment under Tuesday's post alluded to me seemingly having it all together.

Let me be clear:

I DO NOT HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER.

I like to find humor in things because without humor, life sucks. How do you think I got through my parents divorce at ten? DUH.

Obviously, there is TONS of humor to be found in parenting. Because a lot of it sucks. A lot of is awesome too (although perhaps a slightly smaller portion). 

I don't write about every bad moment because I want Mommy Shorts to be more entertaining than upsetting but sometimes, it feels dishonest to be flippant about something that was really really hard. 

My friend, Jill Smokler (aka Scary Mommy) says all this so much better.

Scary-mommy-cover_finalShe sent me a copy of her new book Confessions of a Scary Mommy (an honest and irreverent look at motherhood) and…

I ACTUALLY READ IT.

Let me emphasize how much ACTUALLY READING IT means.

I don't think I've read anything longer than a Dr. Seuss book since Mazzy was born.

Don't judge me. Have you read The Lorax lately? I defy you to get through it without thinking, "OH MY GOD— JUST CHOP DOWN THE FUCKING TREES AND LET ME PUT MY CHILD TO BED ALREADY!!!!"

On the contrary, Confessions of a Scary Mommy reads effortlessly as it weaves Jill's story with online parenting confessions that she collects from her readers.

The confessions run the gamut from harmless to horrifying, humorous to heart-wrenching, but all make you feel less alone in "NOT HAVING IT ALL TOGETHER".

Here are a few I pulled directly from the book:

"I joined a gym for the free day care. I drop the kids off and read magazines and blogs in the locker room."

"My son taught the term 'motherfucker' to his whole preschool class. He learned it from hearing me refer to his brother-in-law as such. Whoops."

"I cheat at board games to make them end faster."

And my personal favorite:

"Once a woman asked me if I planned to breast-feed my baby, so I asked her whether she shaved her vagina. Oh, I'm sorry, you don't like personal, none-of-your-business questions?"

Jill told me at her book party that she thinks it's important for her children to know she's not perfect. 

I love that.

I'm imperfect for the good of my children!

There's a parenting philosophy I can really embrace.

Today, I'm giving away a signed hardcover copy of Jill's new book. All you have to do is confess something "Scary-Mommy-Style" in the comment section below.

Here's mine: 

Usually, whenever I work late, I do everything possible to get home before Mazzy's bedtime. But last night I was totally spent and I swear, my heart sank when I opened the door and discovered Mazzy was still up and about. 

Terrible, right?

Your turn!

Feel free to leave your comment anonymously or under a fake name— just make sure to include your email (I'm the only one who can see it), in case you win the book. Winner will be announced next Friday.

Oh- And congrats to Ninja Mom who won second place in the Easter Sunday caption contest. The first place winner says he's been shooting blanks since 2002, so he'd like to pass Le Petite Box (a gift for pregnant women and new moms) on to her.

Although, with four kids, maybe Ninja Mom would like to confess a desire to get her tubes tied too? 

Have an excellent weekend!

— Mommy Shorts