Just One of Those Days...

It was "just one of those days..."

Can you relate? I think as a mother those words say it all. One of those days where you count down the hours until your spouse gets home. One of those days your toddler refuses to nap and instead sticks his leg through the slat in the crib to get it stuck to get your attention...instead of napping. One of those days you continually look at the clock and feel like bedtime will never come and consider making bedtime earlier than usual for everyone's sanity. One of those days where you're already exhausted and drained and then both children want to be held all day long, at the same time, and always while you're trying to cook or clean something. One of those days where you're feeding the baby and the toddler wants to be held and breaks down in tears when he sees you are occupied with his sister.

One of those days you finish putting kids to bed, sit down, and just feel exhausted. The house is a mess, the dishes are piled in the sink, the laundry still needs to get done, you desperately need a shower, and you have work to do but you really need sleep. It's only 7pm and if I go to bed now I lose all my precious "me" time or "me and husband" time which is rare these days. I'll be up to feed the baby in 2-3 hours anyways and I've already cut in to that time so is it even worth sleeping yet?

It was one of those days. So I finished feeding my one month old, gave her to my hubby for some bonding time, and went to take a bath with my organic chocolate chip ice cream. I sat in the bath and took a deep breath to recharge. Another day had passed. A long day, but it was over. I felt the exhaustion settle in over my tired body and reflected on the day. I hadn't been at my best. My temper was shorter than usual and I felt I didn't give my sweet 18 month old the intentional time I usually do, which is probably why he was acting out all day...

Was I selfish for wanting him to go to bed early? Did I fail him as mom today? 

I took a moment to process all that had happened, most things that felt bigger than they actually were, and turned my mind to a state of gratitude. I find this a helpful tool when I am overwhelmed and feeling subpar in my role as mom. I am so grateful for the gift of my kids. No matter how hard a day is, they are a blessing. I am grateful for my time at home that I get to spend with them. Not every moment will be perfect, but I have the fortune of getting to raise them and need to remember to treasure these years where they are sweet, innocent, and so in awe of all things around them. (Hopefully they will be sweet and innocent forever!) There is a reason older moms tell you not to blink because they do grow up so fast. 

I refocus to live in the present instead of wishing away this time and stage of life. After all, it was just one day. Tomorrow I will have more patience. Tomorrow is a new day. I finish my alone time with a refreshed state of mind and a grateful heart. It's hard to be angry, burned out, or frustrated while actively expressing gratitude. 

I head to bed ready to take on tomorrow and thank God for the gift of a new day. 



Can you relate? 
Journey with me, pray with me, and feel free to comment.  
Christy