This morning, I found myself in a bit of a predicament—my arms were stuck above my head while I struggled (and failed) to get into a sports bra. As usual, we were running late, and in my frantic attempt to get dressed, I got tangled up. After a few moments of awkward wriggling, I paused to ponder whether it was possible for an adult to give herself nursemaid’s elbow. If so, I would be the first to achieve it.
Just then, I heard a small voice crying in the hallway as my older child swung open the bedroom door.
“MOMMY? MOMMY? MOMMY!!!”
Their voices were muffled by the spandex fabric that was now pressed against my ears, but I could feel their presence closing in on me. My toddler dashed into the room, heading straight for the bathroom counter where my makeup lay scattered, while my three-year-old tried to balance on my feet like a little penguin. I yanked off the bra and took a deep breath.
As I exhaled, my son nudged me and asked, “Mommy? What are those things on your stomach?”
“Those are called breasts. NOW PLEASE GO PLAY SO I CAN GET DRESSED!”
I wrestled into my clothes, dabbed concealer on my face, and grumbled about how much quicker I could be if they would just find something to do. Yet, my words fell on tiny, unhearing ears. They didn’t want to play; they wanted to hover beside me, asking questions, and poking at my deodorant.
Right now, I’m in a phase of motherhood where uninterrupted time to accomplish anything feels like a distant memory, and it’s tough. I often think that those who came before me (like grandparents) have conveniently forgotten the intense challenges and only remember the sweet moments. The reality is that parenting small children is SO HARD that its difficulties fade from memory over time.
Let that sink in for a second.
The mantra I try to keep in mind is that this is just a season. I remind myself—sometimes out loud—that this chaos won’t last forever. It’s hard to envision a day when I can dress myself without someone breathing down my neck, but I know it’s on the horizon. Honestly, just knowing that makes today a bit easier to bear.
Sometimes, my kids are so mesmerizing—wide-eyed and brimming with curiosity and excitement for the day ahead—that it takes my breath away. Other times, I can’t see their beauty because I’m entangled in a sports bra.
Such is the journey of motherhood.
For more insights, check out this post where we discuss the ups and downs of parenting. If you’re looking for guidance on fertility, Make a Mom offers excellent resources. For further information about pregnancy, visit Medical News Today, a fantastic site for all things related to fertility and home insemination.
Summary:
Parenting small children is an exhausting yet rewarding experience. While the challenges may feel overwhelming at times, it’s essential to remember that this phase is temporary. Embracing the chaos while appreciating the beauty in your children can make the journey a bit easier.