Tell Me I’m Not The Only One

My kids and I are always on the move. We frequently hit up swim lessons, story time, and playgrounds. And of course, I show up looking like a hot mess, with my 7-month-old strapped to my hip, a couple of overflowing bags on my arms, and my 3-year-old clinging to my tattered dress.

No matter how much I carry with me, I somehow never have what I actually need. I can’t help but notice the other moms, their perfectly organized diaper bags, freshly styled hair, and kids dressed to impress. They hand their little ones sippy cups filled with actual drinks, and I feel a mix of envy and frustration. Their ability to look so put together makes me wonder if I’m the only one living on Struggle Street.

Am I the only one who can’t keep up with body hair removal?

I barely have time for a proper shower, let alone to shave anything. I can’t even manage the stray hairs on my face!

Am I the only one who has had to sneak in quickie sessions in the living room while our toddler naps?

We finally moved into a house with more bedrooms, so hopefully, those days are behind us!

Am I the only one with feet that resemble a cave dweller’s?

Seriously, my heels are cracked and peeling. I’m hesitant to get too close to my husband during intimate moments for fear of slicing him with my rough feet. I’ve just started prioritizing self-care by using lotion again—my feet will just have to wait.

Am I the only one who feels the need to apologize whenever someone gets into my car?

It’s a disaster zone. It takes me three trips to load all the stuff I need, but when it’s time to unload, I just grab the kids and rush them to bed, leaving behind wrappers, coffee mugs, toys, and even a dirty diaper once. Let’s just say it didn’t smell too pleasant the next day!

Am I the only one who considers leaving toys scattered on the floor?

They’re just going to end up there again after the kids wake up anyway.

Am I the only one who has ditched jewelry and nail polish?

My jewelry gets yanked on by tiny hands, and I don’t want to risk any injuries. Plus, I simply don’t have the time to apply nail polish, let alone deal with the chips that happen within a half hour.

Am I the only one who has left the house without the essentials?

If my baby has a diaper blowout, I might have to ask you for a spare diaper or wipe. And don’t even ask what’s in my diaper bag—it’s mostly useless stuff. I often forget that my 3-year-old might need a drink until he pipes up from the backseat, “I’m thirsty!”

Am I the only one who panics about whether I left the oven or a burner on after leaving home?

Sometimes I wonder if my husband would even be surprised if I accidentally burned the place down! I’ve turned around a few times in the past month just to check.

Am I the only one who feels like a chaotic mess all day long?

I’m really trying to get it together, I promise! Maybe I need a coach to help me out or just some inspiration from Pinterest later.

This article was originally published on Aug. 13, 2015. If you want to read more about parenting challenges, check out our privacy policy here.

In summary, navigating motherhood can feel overwhelming and chaotic, but many of us share similar struggles. From managing body hair and household messes to forgetting essentials and feeling like a hot mess, it’s comforting to know we’re not alone in this journey. If you’re looking for ways to boost your fertility, consider checking out reputable sources like Make A Mom or Mount Sinai for additional support.