I am a mom of three – an independent 4-and-a-half-year-old preschooler, a very spunky non-verbal 2-year-old, and a sleepless 6-month-old. I run my own business and work two additional side gigs while my husband works odd hours. I don’t remember the last time I went more than an hour without hearing someone cry or when I slept longer than a couple-hours stretch. I am, what many call, in the thick of motherhood.
It looks different for all of us, but at one time (or many times) or another you’ll find yourself there. The days are long and exhausting. You go through the motions on auto-pilot just trying to get through each day. Just survive. I’m there right now. I adore my children but I am drained.
Please don’t remind me you’ll miss this age or you have so much to be grateful for.
Trust me, I know. But right now I just need to get through the day. I’m not ungrateful, I’m just trying to make it until bedtime. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for counting down the hours until bedtime.
Even in the thick of it, not every day is rough. Some days I am filled with delight when I watch my kids learn something new. There are so many beautiful days. Sure, my house is a mess, I don’t remember the last time my kids had a bath, and I desperately need to go to the grocery. My kids still light up when they see me each morning and our house is filled with way more giggles than tears.
The good news is that I do know that this too shall pass. I won’t stay in the thick of it for life, or at least I hope not. It’s okay to not enjoy every moment. Motherhood is a roller coaster of emotions. The kids will grow, the baby will sleep, and someday, I will get around to folding that laundry.
