I had a few friends phone me after yesterday’s post asking, “Are you alright????”
I’m fine, dudes. Totally fine. It was just one of those days where:
- Emily woke up in the night and then a little earlier than normal, so I was tired. I’m always tired, but I was extra tired.
- Graham was sensi-TEEVE and anything that upset him made him burst into tears.
- Nathan was also Mr. Sensitive Pants, and he ALSO cried easily.
- The crying was often in STEREO.
- I was
crazilya little sensitive myself, which didn’t help my coping skillz.
Lucky for me, I was born with this uber-positive attitude. (Thanks, God!) No matter how hard the day is, I know that ALL days are not like that, and that the next day will be better. If it isn’t then the day after will be better. If that one isn’t, than SOME day in the future will be OK. And if not, then by some miracle I’ll adjust and it all won’t seem so bad.
Today was better. Much better. There were moments, of course, where there was crying. And whining. And meltdowns. The difference, however, was that none of those were done by yours truly. Sweet.
This parenting gig is hard. So very, very hard. Having three is an absolute whirlwind. Not to knock those who have less. One is hard. Two is hard. Children in general are tough.
The first year of a kids life is so amazing…and wonderful…and painfully HARD. The first six weeks are BRUTAL. Sleep is a distant memory. You worry if the baby is eating enough, sleeping enough…or too much. If the baby is peeing and pooping enough. I honestly don’t know how one survives it.
But you do.
I did.
Now Emily is almost six months old. Six months to me is that magical age. I’m not stressing about if she’s napping enough, eating enough, pooping enough…she’s doing just fine. It’s like a big weight that was on my shoulders is now lifting. She is becoming a little person who is interacting with the rest of us and making this family unit even more fun than it was before she came. If that were even possible.
Now that the weight is lifting, I am able to enjoy the boys more. I’m not so distracted with the sub-conscious worry about Miss Emily. They love her too, and the five of us have a great time together. For the most part.
If you are not a parent and wondering if it’s worth it, let me tell you what I know. Having kids is the BEST THING YOU CAN EVER DO. Not only have I been blessed with an amazing husband who is so completely perfect for me, I have been blessed with kids who say things like,”You’re the best Mommy ever” or just simple “Love you, Mommy!” statements throughout the day.
Never mind the fact that they are so. Stinking. CUTE!
Don’t even try to tell me otherwise. Momma Bear is protective of her cubs.
It’s true. For every challenge that parenting brings, there are a dozen blessings to outweigh it.
And I have one.
I’m nervous to have two.
Three is INSANITY.
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You are soooo right! And yes, three is crazy busy:)
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I know what you mean about six months being that ‘magic’ age. Even though people often tell me I’m easy going I am actually a nervous ball of anxiety until that six month mark. And you’re right that not all days can be fabulous days, if they were we wouldn’t appreciate the fabulous ones. Someone once told me that anything worth having is hard work and I second your motion that kids are totally worth the work!
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No doubt about it, parenting is hard work. But I’m glad you’re feeling better about things now. Cute pics, too.
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6 months is my favorite age. They are so cute at that age. I am glad to hear that you are feeling better. Lately I have had a few of those days.
Doesn’t it make you feel so happy when your kids tell you that you are the best mommy in the world and when they say I love you. It makes you feel so happy! It really does brighten your day!
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Parenting is the hardest but most rewarding job but that doesn’t mean we all can’t complain every once in awhile, it keeps us sane
And they are gosh darn cute, all three of them!
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Thanks for the message yesterday, even though you were feeling a little low. However, after reading this post, now I’m a little nervous about my ONE on the way, so you’re a hero having three!
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You’re a star! I cannot even imagine the strength, patience and stamina it takes to raise three (ADORABLE) kids! I am AMAZED by you! There may be hope for Gracie to have a sibling! It looks like a blast!
You’re my hero! I can barely cope with my one little three year old and juggling work at the same time (boo-hoo, I know!). Parenting is the greatest paradox of all time! Something sooooo great, but something sooooo hard! But you- you make it look easy!
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Sometimes it feels like every second day is like the one you described…but you’re right, the next one is usually much better! So cool that God made our kids SO CUTE…I think it really helps=)
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Kids are lots of work but definitely WORTH IT! I never think of looking back to the ‘ol days!
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What an awesome mother you are! Your positive attitude and sense of humour is great….have a great Easter!
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You’re so right about 6 months being that magical turning point. This was such a great, true post, and the kids? ARE ADORABLE.
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