Parenting is a 24/7 marathon, not an occasional side hobby you fit in when time permits. It’s the most incredible, most valuable marathon you’ll ever run, but that doesn’t mean you’re not exhausted, in need of coaches and cheerleaders while you’re in it.
As a relatively novice stay at home mom, I know I make it harder on myself by expecting that I should be able to accomplish everything I assumed the most seasoned stay at home mom’s do. I have learned that I am NOT the Supermom my kids believe I am, and there are days that I want to hang up that cape.
I thought working full time and being a mom was hard. Staying home with 3 kids ages 9 and under is no picnic either!! . The “I have nothing to wear to school today” arguments held religiously every morning at 7:15am. The “you did/ didn’t put peanut butter in my oatmeal” conundrum waiting to be solved every weekday morning around 7:33am. Oh, and let’s not forget the “I don’t understand my math homework” discussion held at our dining room table on most weekday afternoons around 4:15pm before dashing off to cheer practice or Religious Education. Guess what kiddos? These so called math worksheets you’re bringing home these days, your father and I don’t understand either. There is nothing “common” about it. Period. So no, every day is not a walk through Central Park on the most glorious of spring days, but it is such a blessing in all the best ways as it has given me so many stories and wonderful memories to look back on.
There are times after kissing the forehead of my last minion I lock the front door with tears welling in my eyes because I lost my ish- again when he couldn’t find his gloves and refused to put on his boots with 2 inches of snow on the ground. And that’s ok. My kids are loved. There are times I lock the bathroom door while I sit on the edge of the bath tub and deal with the disappointment that the playbill I am starring in is so different than that which I had always imagined. And that’s ok. My kids are loved. So their bathroom might not be washed the same day every week, and I might go grocery shopping at 10 o’clock on a weekday night when they’re snuggled up tight dreaming up whatever little dreams ones their age dream, I am content. They are fed, they are safe, but most of all, they are loved.
This is a season of my life that I know is winding down as I continue to feverishly send off job applications in a valiant effort to return to the workforce. But until that offer letter finds its way into my inbox, I will remind myself that I am doing the best dang job I can. I am giving these kiddos of mine everything they need to feel confident, prepared, but most importantly, loved. I will straighten that invisible cape of mine and head down those stairs straight to the Ninja bar knowing that my husband has been my biggest (silent) cheerleader in this all. This may not have been the most gracious of marathons, but it has been the most memorable.
So to all the moms out there questioning themselves; don’t forget to see the good in every day. Remember those minions you created think the absolute World of you, and most importantly, there is no such thing as too much coffee. And if anyone tells you otherwise, rest assured they don’t know the reality of wearing the “cape”.
XO,
Melis
