I’ve never been a fan of early mornings. I’ve always leaned toward staying up late and enjoying those extra hours of sleep. However, motherhood has a way of flipping the script on that. Some days, I’m grateful when my daughter manages to sleep until 7 a.m., but let’s be real—those mornings are few and far between. More often than not, she’s up and ready to go between 5 and 6 a.m. Then there are the days when she wakes me at 4 a.m., and all I want to do is bury my head under the covers and pretend I’m still in dreamland.
Oh, how I long to sleep until 9—or even 10! I wish for the luxury of rising at my own pace without the pressure of whipping up breakfast for a tiny human who will probably toss most of it onto the floor. I yearn for the pleasure of enjoying a meal without someone perched on my lap, tugging at my hair and reaching into my plate. I crave long, hot showers without the constant interruptions of little voices and the echoes of tantrums.
I want to brush my hair without someone clinging to my leg, begging for attention, and I desire the chance to apply makeup without a small hand grabbing at my makeup brushes. I dream of wearing nice clothes without worrying about being smeared with food, boogers, or other unmentionables. I long for the freedom to jump into my car, speed down the road with the windows down, and blast music loud enough to drown out all thoughts.
Shopping should be a breeze—yet, I find myself calculating how many Goldfish crackers I need to keep my little one entertained until we reach the checkout. I wish I could take a nap without feeling guilty about chores that need doing, dishes that need washing, or laundry that’s piling up. I fantasize about cleaning my floors and actually having them stay spotless for more than just a few minutes.
And let’s be honest, I’d love to watch something other than Peppa Pig or Frozen for the umpteenth time. I want to crawl into bed each night knowing I won’t be jolted awake by the sounds of a toddler in distress, desperately seeking comfort. I wish for just one day where I don’t have to think about the well-being of a child who means everything to me.
Yet, I am a mom, and in those moments of longing, I am reminded of the joy my daughter brings to my life. I cherish the sweet sound of her voice calling for me and the wonder in her eyes when she spots a “big truck” or triumphantly goes down the slide all by herself. Those crumbs on the floor are a reminder of family meals shared together. The crayon masterpieces adorning my walls reflect her vibrant imagination and need to explore.
I remind myself that spilled milk isn’t worth crying over because every cup is refillable. I recognize that long, hot showers are a luxury, and having my curious toddler peek in on me is actually quite funny. Shopping trips to Target wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable without my little sidekick, and there’s no one else I’d rather spend my extra money on than her. I even find that Peppa Pig isn’t so bad, and Frozen has become a beloved Disney classic in our house.
At the end of the day, I lay my head down feeling grateful for a roof over my head and for the family that loves me just as much as I love them. If I spent all my time hiding away, I would miss out on life’s most precious gifts.
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In summary, while the challenges of motherhood can sometimes feel overwhelming, the joys and blessings that come with it far outweigh the difficulties. I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything in the world.