Truth (Five Minute Friday)
Linking up with Five Minute Friday again. Join me!
GO
Let’s get real for a second. Truth is, I love my babies. Bigger truth is, this junk is hard.
I continue to lament my current status as a work-at-home mom wrangling two little boys and an 8 year old.
I know I chose this. I prayed for this. I wanted this to be my life. So, I’m not really complaining.
But the truth is, this really is not easy.
When it was just the Animal and me at home every day, it was pretty laid back. Granted, I didn’t know what to do to keep him occupied before he was able to run around and play by himself. I found that I spent a lot of time on the floor or at the grocery store to pass the time until the next nap so that he wouldn’t scream and cry out of boredom.
Now that I have two munchkins under the age of three, I don’t find myself leaving the house often.
And work is sitting on my desk and on the Internet just beckoning me to come and get it completed. Because seriously, once the kids go to bed, I’d really like to sit on the couch and be just me as I watch TV or gab with my husband (we don’t gab — ok, HE doesn’t gab).
I know that these times are fleeting, and I know that “this too shall pass,” and I know that my boys will grow up quickly and we’ll be able to do more and more rather than just sit on the floor in the living room playing with the same blocks and the same toys and the same rattles.
I know this.
But, the truth is, when you’re in the midst of the crazy, it’s just hard.
I know that lots of people mean well when they say that everything will get easier. I appreciate that they are trying to lift me up and give me some visions of the future.
I have a vision of the future. My oldest is 8. I know that it gets easier. I know that they can learn to fend for themselves. I know this.
But the truth is, I’m human.
And yes, big pieces of me are selfish.
And yes, an even bigger piece of me is just tired.
And that’s the truth.
STOP
Three boys? My sister-in-law had three boys and my wife still looks back in amazement over how she raised them so well. A big part of it was her grounding in her faith. I think you’ll do a great job too. God bless.
Well, the oldest is a girl, but still three kids. 🙂 My mom had 5, so I know stronger women than I have survived. And you are right. Keeping my faith is definitely what gets me through on a daily basis.
Sorry. Misread your post. Three kids is still a handful. Five is kind of crazy. I was an only child, but probably gave my mom enough headaches on my own 😉
I hear only children can be a handful, too. 🙂
Your truth is my truth too! I am a SAHM to two little ones under three as well. And it is hard. And so, so worth it.
You’re right. So worth it. Beyond worth it.
I am relieved to read your post and know that others feel the same. Since the newest addition was born I have found myself thinking what have I done? I don’t remember the first one being this strenuous. I love both and wouldn’t change a thing, but I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who feels this way :)!
You aren’t the only one. If people are really honest, you are one of many who feel this way. Being a parent is a selfless act. Hang in there, lady. You’re going to be AWESOME.
Lydia, I honestly think the hardest parenting stage is the one you are currently going through; the easiest one if the one you just finished, and the scariest one is the one coming up. Parts of it are hard. Parts of it really suck. And sometimes we just need to acknowledge that.
I think this is one of the wisest ways to look at this that I’ve seen yet. You’re right. In the moment is the worst part. <3
I too chose to become a stay at home mama and I’m thankful for it, but NOBODY warned me how hard it would be to become everything to these little humans. It’s HARD. I feel like I spend my days in Groundhog Day repeat mode most of the time, and I tell myself not to wish it away, but sometimes I just want it to be easier. Thanks for sharing this – know you are not alone.
Groundhog Day is the perfect comparison!