Updated: May 25, 2016
Originally Published: March 7, 2014
Hey there, Tired Mama,
I totally get it. You’re running on fumes. Exhausted from the endless cycle of parenting—the sameness of each day feels like a never-ending rerun. You’re worn out from the seat belts, the sippy cups, the diapers, the chaos of arts and crafts on the walls, the tantrums, the presence of that oh-so-annoying show, and the crumbs scattered across the floor. And now that winter is approaching, let’s not even start on the hats, boots, and the elusive mittens. Ugh. The mittens.
Your patience is being stretched thin. You’re constantly weighing every word before it escapes your lips. Privacy? What’s that? It’s like a myth from a long-forgotten world. While your love for your kids knows no bounds, a pang of guilt creeps in when you fantasize about stepping outside and not looking back—just to find a little slice of peace and maybe a conversation with an adult who isn’t relying on you for everything.
Loneliness wasn’t on your radar; you braced yourself for the fatigue, but the solitude is something else entirely. There are moments when you feel like you’re on the brink of giving up, times when you wonder if you’re cut out for this. But listen, you’re not alone in those thoughts. You are human, and motherhood is tough as nails. But here’s the silver lining—you will get through this.
One day, unexpectedly, you might find yourself in that moment you’ve been daydreaming about. I had one of those yesterday. My youngest, Number 8, has been my little cuddlebug at nap time for ages. She doesn’t necessarily need me anymore, but she loves it, and I think I enjoy it even more than she does. But yesterday, as I settled in for our routine, she looked at me and said, “I don’t want to rock in the rocking chair.” Just like that, she climbed into her bed. No prelude, no warning—she was done.
Suddenly, all those dreams of uninterrupted showers and spotless kitchen counters lost their appeal. My mind was flooded with memories of blankies, footed pajamas, and sweet little strollers. You see, there is an end to this phase, and it might come sooner than you expect. So, wherever you are in this beautiful chaos, try to find and cherish a moment. Maybe it’s reading a bedtime story, snuggling on the couch, or simply watching them play outside. Be present in those fleeting moments because they are limited.
It may feel like the difficult days will stretch on forever, but trust me, they won’t. And when those tough moments finally fade, some of the delightful ones you cherish will vanish too. So take a deep breath—you’ve got this.
For more insights on home insemination, check out this link to Intracervical Insemination, and if you’re interested in more information, Make a Mom is a great resource. For an in-depth look at the success of IUI, visit WebMD.