Once the kids are tucked in for the night, that’s when we finally get some real time together. We struggle to keep our tired eyes open, holding hands as we zone out in front of the TV. We find moments for intimacy, even when exhaustion looms large, because it’s our only chance to reconnect. Each morning, as he heads out the door, he leans in for a kiss, and throughout the day, we send each other messages of love. Sometimes, though, those texts carry the weight of unresolved frustrations from our rushed breakfast conversations.
As a stay-at-home mom, I find joy in my role, but it can be overwhelming at times. I adore being a mother, but there are moments when the demands feel heavy; it’s a complex tapestry of emotions, much like my kids themselves. Parenthood is everything I envisioned and a whirlwind of surprises I never anticipated. Yet, despite the daily challenges, my marriage remains vibrant, and our “us” is very much alive.
We have a shared history, like most couples do. Our love story is woven into the fabric of our daily routines, nestled between the chaos of work, meal prep, and school runs, often overshadowed by the mundane chores like laundry. I find myself yearning for more moments of “us” before the kids grow up. I am keenly aware that this stage of our lives is fleeting, and I want to savor the time we have together as parents and partners.
I refuse to put our relationship on hold. I don’t want to save our romance for later or reserve our kisses for the weekends. We strive to infuse our love into the ordinary moments of Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We aim to recapture the essence of the couple who fell in love before the demands of parenthood took center stage. Reality hits hard, though—life and love shift dramatically when you’re navigating the challenges of raising young children.
Finding sitters can be a struggle, and our “date nights” feel few and far between. Those precious hours before we collapse into bed can never replicate the leisurely weekend mornings we once enjoyed, free from the call of needing to help tiny humans with their needs right away. I don’t want everything to return to how it was, but I crave more connection with him, more of “us.”
I make an effort to linger on that morning kiss while juggling a million tasks. I strive to show my daughters the woman I am beyond just being their “Mommy.” I want to be a partner, a friend, and a wife, all while navigating the complexities of motherhood. I do my best to embrace joy, even during moments of frustration, like when he places the bowl in the dishwasher incorrectly. I want to make the most of our time together, even when it feels insufficient.
My marriage is not nearing its end, even if at times we feel like mere roommates rather than the couple who fell in love. We are not roommates; we are soulmates, and I need him to know that I choose him every single day. I choose him with every quick kiss goodbye, with each moment I resist the allure of sleep to engage with him instead. Reassuring him of my love is essential; it’s easy to get caught up in the routine and forget to express our appreciation for one another.
Every day our children grow and change in ways both noticeable and subtle. Each day, my husband and I find new ways to connect, often without the interruption of little feet running between us. Our marriage evolves, presenting both challenges and beautiful opportunities.
This morning, I stood in the kitchen with our youngest, who proudly declared herself a “little big girl.” Her older sister had just left for school, and her father had gone to work. In that moment, I realized that soon she would transition from being my “little big girl” to a full-fledged “big girl,” and eventually into adulthood. This isn’t a sad truth; it’s a natural part of life—growth, change, and transformation.
Our marriage is far from stagnant; it has undergone a rebirth, and I only need to open my eyes wide enough to see it. If you’re curious about more on navigating parenting and relationships, check out this insightful post on navigating marriage and parenting. And for those interested in home insemination options, this online retailer offers reliable kits to assist you. Additionally, Resolve.org provides excellent resources for family-building options, including home insemination.
In summary, while marriage with children is undoubtedly challenging, it is also a journey filled with growth, love, and renewal. By prioritizing our partnership amidst the chaos of parenting, we can continue to choose each other every day.