Motherhood: A day in the life

MOTHERHOOD. We do it all. I don’t know how, but we do. I was up at midnight with my 3 year old for a glass of water, then 3am to clean up the wet bed and his pull-up, 5am because he’s hungry, and then I fall back to sleep and the baby wakes up just before 6am. Feed the baby and lie back down then my Husband kisses me goodbye and then both boys wake up its 7:15am.

Disclaimer: I’m not looking for sympathy, empathy, a handout, or advice – it’s just cathartic for me to write. I do have a journalism degree after all.

Now I have to get one kid to school, the other to my moms, and some how get myself ready for work.  Coffee is brewing, and kids are screaming. “I want Curious George and my Captain America shirt. A quesadilla and chocolate milk, please.” At least he says please. Thankfully, it’s raining so we don’t have the sunscreen, bugspray wrestling match. The baby is still sleeping!

My modest home looks like a tornado and a hurricane fought to the death. It’s an art studio, restaurant, daycare, laundromat, hotel and spa, and a movie theater! I’m so thankful that my kids have food, clothing, toys and all the extra amenities … but we don’t have a maid. Call me the cook, teacher, entertainer, hotelier and the housekeeper! It’s exhausting. Daily example: Vacuum the cheezits and puffs, but then they magically reappear moments later. Underwear in the TV credenza. Dishes piled high and laundry on the couch. Coffee cups and baby bottles everywhere! Four people and their crap take up every square inch of this place. But my kids are healthy and happy.

 
Dressed, no makeup, and out the door off to school at 9am. Drive-thru coffee and oatmeal, and off to Meme’s we go. Open shop 10am. Work till 2pm. Get gas and stop into Whole Foods to get organic soy formula for the baby. Pick up big bro from school then pick up baby from Meme’s. Drive thru dinner (yes I see the irony of Whole foods and then a drive thru) Feed the boys. Husband walks thru the door and thankfully helps with bedtime. I AM DEAD. I don’t even want wine at this point. Just a trashy tv show and sleep, before it’s time to do it all over again tomorrow.
 
I don’t want a medal. I’m not complaining. I’m simply describing my last 12 hours. All we want is appreciation. Someone to say “wow you are amazing and take such good care of your family.” A break would be nice. I would be so thankful for him to say “hey honey why don’t you go to yoga and I will take care of things!” It would make my whole week to be able to do that.
 
I love being a mom! Doesn’t sound like it, but I do. I want to see my boys grow up. Teach them and learn from them. Give them the best of the best. I try my best to prepare and protect them from the scary ass world we live in. They are why I live and breathe. Growing them inside me and feeding them with my body was such a blessing from God. It’s my job to make sure I love, protect and nurture His creation.
 
 I have been a working mom and a stay at home mom now I’m a combo! First I went back to work but hated pumping and giving my nanny my commissions.  I gave up my career for them.  I stayed at home pregnant thru the terrible twos and I recently went back to work to make some “ME” money. I work at a friends cute little boutique. It’s not much, but it helps pay for my extras and some date nights.
 
Thank you Heavenly Father for my husband and family. My Husband doesn’t get left out. We would be nothing without him. Hell, I wouldn’t have kids without him. He is the breadwinner and fully supports our family. He carries us and loves us.

My mom is a saint. She is my hero, my guardian angel, therapist and cheerleader. Meme takes care of the boys all the time for free and I think they love her more than me sometimes.

There is no perfect balance. There is nothing that’s perfect. Working is hard. Staying at home is hard. Being a good parent is hard. But we do it because of those sweet smiles and cuddles and unconditional love from our babies. When they look up at you and say “you look beautiful mommy,” when you are a hot mess with frizzy hair and no makeup. When all they want is their mommy to hold them. It is all worth it. Motherhood is selflessness. 

Nobody has it all together. If you think I do then I’ve got you fouled with matching outfits, play dates and Instagram posts. Some things we do for ourselves or others but let’s keep the focus on our kids. I’m guilty! They don’t need much but we live in a world of excess. What they need is our love and attention. So To all the moms out there with 1-10 kids, working, staying at home or a combo, you rock! You make the world go round! Thank you all for everything you do! And cheers to lots of love, sleep, coffee and wine!!!

Xoxo

Happy mommy