Momma 1 - Max 1

New Zealand is a country that sometimes doesn't go for the win but rather goes to not lose. That has driven me batty. Such a slight difference but HUGE mindset difference. An American at heart, a girl from a sports family that always competed to win, and a never say die attitude led me to many moments of shear amazement at the attitude of sports in this country. During the Soccer World Cup the entire country minus the Americans and English people, were ecstatic that NZ didn't ever lose a game. "We went in knowing we wouldn't win so to never lose and be the only team to not lose by tie games is great." Seriously?!?! My boss at the time was English, he would look at me and shake his head in disbelief and then proceed to convince the Kiwi's that sports are meant to be won.

Funny how such a slight change in attitude can make or break your spirit in a game. I could NEVER play something where the goal was just not losing. It's such a head game for me, but alas my grand view and opinion has thus been shaken today. Max and I had a war today. Call it a screaming nap time if you will, but it was war! He screamed for about an hour with really no break. UGH! I had just got off the phone with an encouraging older mom and felt confident again in how I was taking care of Max. I was sure I knew what to do. NOPE. All was resolved and nap #2 approached. Max in the crib. Momma in the kitchen. Tears in between. SILENCE. Could it be? Did Momma win round #2 and actually teach her little man to settle himself and sleep. AHHHH....

Sometimes you just gotta be thankful for a culture that teaches you that 1-1 is a victory!

Thankful for a different culture and a strong willed little boy that is full of determination and strength.