Some Days – This Motherhood Thing | Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Some Days – This Motherhood Thing
by Andrea Bates

Postpartum Support International Blog
January 10, 2016

Some days you’ll find yourself wondering how you got into this whole motherhood thing. And you’ll ask yourself how on earth you’re going to survive it.

And then you’ll remind yourself that …

Sometimes the only thing you can do is watch it all happen. It’s happening, and you’re watching. And that’s okay.
You should probably give up hope that you’ll ever see your couch, floor, or any other flat surface again any time soon—under all the baby toys, stacks of diapers, unread newspapers, and piles of laundry.
It’s really important to keep a sense of humor. Laugh. A lot.
It’s just as important to let it all out. Cry. Scream. Punch a pillow. Whatever works.
Your only free moments will be when you’re in the bathroom. If then.
Sometimes you’re going to yell. It’s okay. Your children still know you love them.
A breath of fresh air will help clear your head. Pop baby in the stroller and walk around your neighborhood. Head to the backyard and let her play in the sandbox while you sit and watch. And breathe.
You will sigh loudly every time you hear them shout MOMMY! And then you’ll shout back, WHA-AT?

The moments will come when your child does something that completely surprises you. She’ll start walking, talking, singing, laughing – I mean really laughing. He’ll draw his first picture and you’ll find yourself so proud that you’re not just hanging it up, you’re sharing it any—and every—where.

You’ll think to yourself, this baby is mine. This is my baby. And she is so very loved. And loves me.

And you’ll find yourself amazed.

And as you experience these things you’ll find yourself remembering what it’s all about. This motherhood gig. It’s the real deal. It’s amazing, beautiful, incredible, powerful … and exhausting, frustrating, anxiety-producing. It’s all these things and more.

And you know what? There’s nothing wrong with recognizing the not-so-joyful parts of parenting. It’s okay.

Tomorrow’s another day.

Tomorrow might be the day where there are no frustrating moments. Might be the day you find all the joys. And the next day might not be. But it’s okay. We’re all human. Motherhood is amazing. We just need to remember that as we find our way through this new journey.

Andrea is a native New Yorker living in NC who has become quite accustomed to wearing flip-flops year-round. An LCSW, she works part-time, benefitting her social media addiction, and volunteers regularly for several non-profit organizations helping women in need of support. Andrea has been published on sites like Carolina Parent, Postpartum Progress, Scary Mommy and Midlife Boulevard. You can also find her at her own website, Good Girl Gone Redneck, writing about her life as a mom, her family, important causes, and incredible books you absolutely must read.