The first week of 2010 has ended.
Looking back over 2009, there were many highs, a good few lows, some stuff I’m proud of, and some regrets too. Of course the birth of Frankie was my highlight of 2009. The achievement of labour followed by the silent moment with my newborn as he fed for the first time in hospital, his head warm and new against my chest.
I could enjoy it more this time. Not so overwhelmed and vulnerable as I felt when Laurie arrived three years earlier. But the first time was perfect in a different way. I remember gazing at Laurie in absolute awe as he slept between John and I, both crouched either side of him on the hospital bed. In that utterly peaceful moment, we just did not have a clue about the chaos that was about to commence.
I can laugh now, looking back. Before babies, my vision of motherhood was all fluffy blankets, cuddly towels and tiny soft babygros. My husband and I would go for walks in the park while baby cooed in the buggy or have long pub lunches while he slept. What was I thinking?!
Any long walks would have involved some seriously sleep deprived snapping between hubby and me. Just finding time to wash my hair or have a cup of tea in those first few weeks would have been good, let alone a leisurely lunch. Now, I find myself in the middle of cleaning mashed banana out of the carpet, crayon off the wall and baby sick out of my hair!
Just getting out of the house in the morning with my two dressed and clean is often a serious challenge – never mind walking the dog, putting the washing machine on, cleaning away breakfast, answering the phone… you know what I’m talking about. At times, I’m frazzled.
I am not the mother I planned to be.
It can sometimes feel like it’s just me who feels like this. As though there’s something wrong with me for not delightfully bouncing out of the house with my fresh faced little monkeys, all smiles and happiness as the new day dawns.
Luckily I have friends who remind me that I’m normal. Because the mother I had planned was totally unrealistic!
Well this New Year, I’m making just one resolution, and that’s to enjoy motherhood. I mean, really enjoy it. Not just when everything’s perfect and it’s easy to do so. But when I have shopping to do and the kids are tired/hungry and the house is a mess and I still haven’t answered a ton of emails…
…No, I’m not going to become a saint! In fact, I’m going to do the complete opposite and give up trying to be perfect. Instead, I plan to slow down, to let my children set the pace a little more often, and just go with things. Because they’ll only be little for a short while. And who cares if there’s crayon on the wall anyway?!
If you’d like to find the time to enjoy motherhood a little more, you might like to take a read of Tanith Carey’s book, How to be an Amazing Mum. This month, we are offering a copy for free to one lucky winner – click here to enter. It’s very easy.
Tags: baby competitions, free stuff, perfect mums
A great idea, enjoy motherhood whilst we can.
Is it essential that the children be dressed and clean when going out the house in the morning? Can’t I just pick one?!
A timely reminder – and advice I will try to heed in the coming months
Thank you – I have read this and smiled and it has really made me think! Losing weight, drinking less, getting fitter?? Nope, I think the best resolution is yours Lucy! xx ps when I was pregnant a friend said to me “it is a good day if one of you is dressed by the end of it” I wish I had paid more attention to them!!
Completly agree with you about this and can relate to everything you have said. At the moment there are times when I get frustrated because although (for example) Ethan is trying to talk he gets annoyed when I do not know what he wants. This this then gives me a headache and thinking I cannot wait until he can talk properly, life will be so much easier! But then I think I should be enjoying this stage not wishing it away and instead laugh at how he is really attempts to copy words and communicate with me because before I know it he will be at nursery and then school.
Looking forward to your next blog, I find it is good therapy for me! (lol)