Dear Mom,
Today, my thoughts are with you as you navigate the beautiful chaos of loving both a toddler and a newborn. Your heart is expanding as you cradle your sweet baby, all while your energetic toddler is tugging at your leg, wanting to be held too. I see you juggling countless new tasks alongside your existing responsibilities, and while it may feel a bit clumsy at times, from the outside, you radiate grace and patience.
I know you’re tired—exhausted, really—but amidst that fatigue, you find the strength to shower your little ones with love. Your devotion is profound; you would do anything to ensure they feel cherished. The love you have for them is beyond comprehension, manifesting in countless diaper changes and precious moments that make you tear up as you realize how quickly your toddler is growing up. Even after dealing with a messy situation, you embrace those little ones tighter, savoring the blessing of motherhood.
Just as you revel in those sentimental moments, they’re often interrupted by the demands of a hungry baby or a toddler who’s lost a favorite toy. You quickly rescue the toy, setting your toddler up with an engaging activity, allowing for a precious few moments of peaceful feeding time. It’s a small victory, but in those moments, you realize you’re adjusting to this new normal with flying colors.
Once you settle in, the peace is short-lived. Your toddler calls out for help, and you jump up with the baby still in your arms, marking the transition from peaceful nursing to mastering “meals to go.” The demands of motherhood are unrelenting, and you find yourself perpetually hungry, racing to find time to eat or sip your coffee. While you may indulge in a few too many treats dropped off by well-meaning friends, you remind yourself that calories are less important than the joy of being present for your children.
Your definition of joy has shifted; it’s no longer found in being perfectly put together (though a shower feels divine every now and then). Instead, it’s rooted in the sacrifices you make for your children, prioritizing their needs above all else. They depend on you completely, and while that can feel overwhelming, you embrace your role as a mother with resilience.
Every day, your confidence grows. You even decide to venture out to the grocery store by yourself with the kids. After feeding the baby, you have a limited window before the next feeding. You gather what feels like everything but the kitchen sink, place the kids in the car, and take a moment to enjoy the silence before embarking on the next big adventure. Once in the parking lot, you carefully position the infant carrier in the cart and assign your toddler the role of “mommy’s helper.”
I see you navigating the aisles, your heart racing as you anticipate potential chaos. In line, as your toddler throws a tantrum and the baby fusses, you remain calm, dealing with a cashier who likely has no idea of the storm you’re weathering. When you finally receive your receipt, it feels like a badge of honor. You’ve conquered this outing—now it’s time for some much-deserved Starbucks therapy.
The journey of motherhood is filled with milestones: the first time the baby sleeps through the night, the first shared smiles between siblings, and that glorious moment when both kids nap at the same time. Each of these moments is significant, reminding you that your hard work is worthwhile.
You are not alone in this. You are doing an incredible job, and I want you to know that your efforts matter. You’re beautiful, even amidst the chaos, and I’m here cheering you on as you embrace this wild ride of motherhood.
Keep going, dear mom. Your strength and love are awe-inspiring.
With love,
Your fellow mom