Sometimes, I find myself venting about the trials of motherhood. Every time I do, someone chimes in with that familiar, well-meaning advice: “Cherish these moments before they pass,” or “Live in the present,” or “Just embrace it.” While I want to agree wholeheartedly, the truth is that my instinct is often to roll my eyes. Not because it’s bad advice—far from it. It’s genuinely sound advice, and I know I should be taking it to heart.
Yet, despite understanding its value, I often struggle to fully embrace every moment. Here are a few reasons why that’s the case:
- I’m so sleep-deprived that I recently introduced my son as my daughter. Yep, my baby boy is sporting a penis.
- It’s hard to be present when I’m fueled by a diet of sugary, high-calorie iced coffees.
- There’s a moment almost every day when I feel like I might collapse from exhaustion, but a quick espresso run brings me back to life—at least for another day.
- I know I won’t shed the extra 30 pounds I’ve gained if I keep indulging, but survival comes first.
- I suspect there’s baby poop lingering under my fingernail.
- I made breakfast, but my toddler insists, “Only Tuesdays for eggs!” Cue 30 minutes of wailing.
- The heat makes my supportive nursing bra unbearable, yet the cheaper option causes clogged ducts and milk leaks.
- So, my choices are: itchy and sweaty or soggy and milky.
- I’m taking my placenta pills religiously, but some mornings I wake up convinced I’ve ruined my life.
- My toddler just had an accident on the pool deck.
- Sometimes my older kids bicker so fiercely that I pack up the little ones and head to the park for 15 minutes of peace.
- When we arrive, they complain about the heat while I’m in discomfort.
- My frustration leads to me snapping at them, which only adds to my guilt.
- I just wanted to enjoy motherhood for a second, but now I’m wishing for a moment of solitude.
- I can’t stop thinking about how quickly my tween will be off to college, and I’m left wondering where the last 13 years went.
- I’m stressed about finances, mainly the lack thereof.
- I’m also preoccupied with completing an article due soon when my baby’s only interests seem to be nursing and sleeping.
- I find myself tearing up over insignificant things.
- My kids ask why I’m crying, and I have no answer.
- I mentally vow to avoid watching rescued elephant videos again.
- It’s 4 PM, and I realize my kids need to eat again. Why do they eat so much?
- Our dog escaped through the broken fence, which reminds me I need to fix it.
- I love that dog and feel guilty for not spending enough time with him. (Don’t worry, we found him.)
- I AM embracing motherhood, just not in this chaotic moment. Why is that so hard to accept?
- Every job has its annoying aspects—why should motherhood be any different?
- I was up late writing, and my baby woke me up at 3 AM, only to be followed by my toddler’s cheerful wake-up call at 6 AM.
- It’s hard to appreciate anything when I can barely keep my eyes open.
- I’m at the mercy of the snot-sucking device, trying to soothe my baby so he can finally sleep.
- I’m left to wonder if he has whooping cough and frantically search for pediatrician hours.
- My kitchen smells awful, and my voicemail is overflowing. Can’t people just text me?
- I have a mountain of flagged emails waiting for attention, yet I’m still on maternity leave.
- My kids are back to their favorite mac and cheese, and I worry about what’s in that stuff.
- We need to go to Costco, but I’m too exhausted to think about it.
- My house feels like it’s overrun, and I’m just trying to keep my sanity intact.
In the midst of this chaos, I find moments of joy: my baby giggles, my toddler’s swimming triumph, and my daughter’s pride in reading achievements. These fleeting glimpses remind me that while motherhood can be overwhelming, it also holds beautiful moments worth cherishing.
So, there you have it: 37 reasons I’m finding it hard to embrace the moment. But I’m doing my best, just like every mother I know. And honestly, I embraced a moment yesterday.
For more on the journey of home insemination and motherhood, check out this post and this insightful resource. If you’re curious about fertility insurance, this link is a fantastic resource.
In summary, motherhood is a rollercoaster filled with challenges and rewarding moments. While I might not always embrace the chaos, I’m learning to appreciate the small joys along the way.