After a really bad night on Tuesday (read REALLY REALLY bad), I needed to hear from some of my fellow infant Moms to see if I had completely lost it - or if I was just in need of a breather. I sent an email to 7 ladies from all over the country - Texas, Michigan, Florida, Ohio, and Nevada - and what I found was astounding to me.
Five of the ladies responded to me, and the phenomenon that I found was crazy. Out of the 8 of us ladies... 6 (SIX) found motherhood to be completely different than they thought it would be. I think I can speak for most of us in saying that when we used to hear about people struggling with their babies - we thought that they just weren't doing something right... oh how self righteous... people really, when it comes down to it... you just do what you have to do in order to keep a little sanity in this process.
I believe that 6 out of the 8 ladies struggled in some form - to varying degrees - with infertility... which I think we all had some sort of preconceived notion that since it was so difficult to actually get pregnant... and deliver a healthy baby - that we deserved some sort of pass to having an easier ride on the motherhood roller coaster, but that just isn't what we've found.
One of the other ladies really struck a cord with me though in her response because she identified something that has REALLY been bothering me a lot. She has twins, and I've got my little Irish twins... or so they've been called. The thing for us is that one of them is always crying or in need of something - so there is a whole lot of juggling between the two... and not a lot of time to enjoy the babies, hold them, snuggle with them, play with them, or just generally spend quality bonding time with them uninterrupted. Which can lead to a lot of added pressure being put on yourself to do it all better and faster so that you don't miss out on those beautiful moments.
The reality is that ALL of the ladies that responded sort of felt like the truth about motherhood was some sort of closely guarded secret that we weren't let in on prior to having our children. Not that any of us would trade our children for the world... but wow... some days this gig will bring you to your knees, and make you wish that you could hand the baby back to their mother. (only to find that you ARE their mother!)
A while ago - I posted this "schedule" of my day... and it's still similar only - add in a Tyler feeding somewhere between 2 and 3:30. But there is so much more to be said than that. My nights these days sort of resemble a war zone with me trying to side step landmines at every turn. It's funny because I remember in the days before the boys - when the work day was over... it seemed like the rest of the day was a gentle coasting into relaxation before bed... now it's an all out sprint from the moment I leave the office to get through the traffic to pick up the boys and get them fed, bathed, and played out before their bedtimes.
Right now they are both teething in some form... so the night are a little tougher than they used to be... which means that probably 80% of the time - the only thing I do for myself before bed is get a shower. (is that really for me or more for the people I encounter during the day? HA!) By that I literally mean that is the ONLY thing I do.
I skip dinner to hold one of my hurting little munchkins. I haven't actually watched and paid attention to an entire television show in a year. (Is it wrong that Tyler loves watching Bones?) I literally race to get in a shower and repack the bag while Tyler is taking a very short nap between his two nightly feedings. I still wear open toed shoes even though I haven't had a pedicure since before Tyler was born - because damn it - it's the spring. I have gotten poop on me more than I can count... and it doesn't even gross me out anymore. I've been thrown up on even more than I've been doused in poop. Sometimes the crying leads to all three of us crying together. The laundry - oh my stars - the laundry.
Children truly are blessings, but no matter how hard you've prayed for them... and believe me - I prayed for mine for 8 years... some days - you'll wonder what in the world you were thinking. Then you'll get a little sleep... see them smile at you... hear a baby giggle... and it'll all be alright again.
And just for your viewing pleasure... here are my two little men - I do love them fiercely even though some days I think they might literally either send me to the funny farm or just flat out bring me to an early death.
Those were taken before our first swim of the season... James' second time and Tyler's first...
Kim,
ReplyDeleteYou have such cute little dudes! Being a mommy is the hardest job you will ever love. I remember when Kelcee was born we were talking to Greg's bestie about the no sleep scenario and he said oh you just wait with a bit of a laugh and he said this is the easy part, and not quite knowing what he was talking about in walked toddler hood LOL...and now we soooo know what he was laughing about it sure does get harder but it is worth every milisecond...LOL
Hang in there girl...it may not get easier for a loooong time but it sure does get fun!
love ya
Sums
I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who's struggling. We'll make it through this!! Theme song for this week. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I know I say this a million times, but it's still true - your little guys are super cute!
I can remember the days of sleepless nights...I now look back at my 14 and 16 year olds and say...where did that time go?? God never promised it to be easy, but he sure came through on his promises :) I have to say...I'm impressed that you can still write this well and juggle those sweet boys and the stresses of everyday life. If I were to have written something when my kids were babies, I don't think it would have been as insightful as your writings!! I know you don't see it now, but sleep will return eventually.
ReplyDeleteLoved your blog! I can sooooo relate.
ReplyDeleteDo you read my mind?! :-)
ReplyDeleteVery well said. And EXACTLY what has been on my mind for the past few days. I've been hesitant to state these very words on my own blog because prior to kids, my own response/thought to this line of thinking would have been, "...well chick you wanted that kid, you got it, so suck it up!" With Motherhood I've found a new, raw reality that few will admit to. Thank you for being one of the few who does, and for standing in agreement with me even though you don't know me from Adam's housecat!
:-)
~Wendy
As one of the people still waiting for a miracle (and really not all that impatient for it, these days), I thank you for the post. It will be a nudge of reality one day, I'm sure. A compassionate, loving and unapologetically honest "I told ya so". :)
ReplyDeleteI love what Summer said "the hardest job you will ever love" it is so true. I learned to not judge those ladies that are overwhelmed, over scheduled, stressed out, kids crying, mom yelling because I am now one of them. People don't tell you that motherhood (like child birth) isn't rainbows and sunshine. You will appreciate the small stuff a whole lot more and have more help when you and John are together again.
ReplyDeleteAMEN!
ReplyDeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteWell, it's Susan from Maryland,- mom to Annie 24 and Greg 22 BUT I can still remember the days AND nights and my advice is "this to shall pass"! What seems like endless nights right now will be long forgotten memories believe me and yes, I have to admit I do long for those nights sometimes as crazy as that might sound. I worked full time and had separated from my 1st husband when my little ones were 2 and 4. Talk about hard ? But thats another story.
My Annie is out on her own now and a 1st grade teacher. I marvel at the young woman she has become and my son Greg is in college. Kim, I think you are remarkable and look forward to reading your Blog everyday. As I finish my college degree at the age of 55 know that I get inspiration from your Blog and the many inspirational things you write. You go girl...Susan from Maryland - Land of the Blue crabs. lol
P.S. Kim and John, I agree with Summer.....They are the cutest little Dudes. ....
ReplyDeleteSusan from Maryland :-0)
Oh honey, it just gets better from here. Soon you'll have bigger poop (wait for potty training), more throw up (wait until a big kid throws up on you and then you'll really know what it's like to be thrown up on), homework, friend issues, bigger boo boos, sports practice and games, attitudes, and more. There are days I wish I worked outside of the home, when all I wanted when I worked was to be home. It never gets easier nor will you ever not be a mommy (just ask your mom), but it is always worth it. There is no job harder than being a mommy.
ReplyDelete