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Narcoleptics and Unkempt Moms Need Love Too
I suspect my partner might have narcolepsy. The way he can doze off the instant he relaxes is both astonishing and infuriating. This supposed narcolepsy isn’t just a minor annoyance in our relationship; it makes me want to grab him by the shoulders with my weary, frustrated hands and shake him vigorously. I struggle to fall asleep, and once I finally do, I’m usually jolted awake by snoring or the kids.
The other day, I was sharing my frustrations with a group and accidentally said, “I think my husband has necrophilia.” Clearly, I need some more Zzz’s.
I genuinely love my husband. I want to spend quality time with him, and yes, I even want to be intimate. But we have kids now—kids who seem to pop up out of nowhere, interrupting our conversations and intimate moments, wedging themselves between us. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by how much has changed since we became parents and how challenging it can be to nurture our relationship.
There are days when I want to scream, “Screw this!” and stab a gallon of milk with scissors, letting it explode all over the kitchen. I’d leave it there, letting the house smell of sour milk by the time my husband gets home, and then greet him with a kiss, saying, “I did absolutely nothing today except cover our home in whole milk. None of that 2% nonsense. Also, everyone has the runs. We’re out of diapers and bread, and of course, milk… see you in a week.”
Recently, I expressed that my emotional needs weren’t being met, and before I knew it, I had initiated a conversation about my feelings before 8 a.m. Picture this: me, in my nightgown, angrily unloading the dishwasher while he stood there in his work clothes, blinking at me with those classic clueless guy eyes. Amid this, our older kids were in the bathroom trying to shove latex balloons down the toilet. This is what marriage and parenthood look like.
I often find myself reminiscing about the days when we were still trying to impress one another. Back when I would spend hours getting ready and he would surprise me with concert tickets or flowers. Adulting—managing budgets, buying school supplies, and making slow-cooker meals—doesn’t exactly scream romance. Or at least, that’s what I thought.
It was a Tuesday evening, around 5:45 p.m., and while standing at the sink, I found myself pondering: Who even invented Hamburger Helper? It’s just a box of chemicals I’m supposed to add meat and water to. Why are the boys screaming? Oh no, someone’s going to end up in the E.R. if they keep running through the house—“STOP RUNNING!”—and just then, Robbie walked in. Oh man, I must look like a hot mess. What is this on my pants? Diaper cream? Great.
The kids were running wild, the TV was blaring, and I hadn’t even glanced in a mirror all day. But then my husband walked in, came over to me, wrapped his arms around me, and kissed me in that way where you get dipped backwards. Time stood still.
This journey we’re on? I wouldn’t want to experience it with anyone else—even with the narcolepsy.
For more insights on parenting, check out this piece on navigating the ups and downs of family life. If you’re looking for information about fertility, you might want to visit this excellent resource or check out these fertility supplements for more tips! And don’t forget to explore another one of our blog posts to keep engaged!
Summary
Parenting and marriage can feel overwhelming, especially when sleep deprivation and kids running around complicate things. While the romance may seem lost in the chaos of everyday life, moments of connection remind us of our love. Finding balance between family responsibilities and personal needs is essential for maintaining that bond.