I’m fully aware that one day I’ll look back fondly on the random trinkets scattered around my home, like a small drawer labeled “googly eyes.” The thought of not tripping over assorted sizes of cleats and shin guards in my basement will likely evoke a twinge of nostalgia in the future. I get it; these items are reminders that my kids have grown up and moved on. But today? Today is not that day.
This morning kicked off with a delightful 4:30 a.m. wake-up call, courtesy of jet lag. I managed to accomplish more before 8 a.m. than most people do in an entire day. The mantra echoing in my mind was, “I have different standards of cleanliness than they do.”
After just 17 hours back from my blissful vacation with my partner, I was already feeling the strain, as my kids managed to make me un-miss them in no time. The afternoon was filled with bickering that made me wish for a fast-forward button on their childhoods.
Today was also the perfect opportunity for a little organization—imagine if we actually put things away after using them! The mid-afternoon car ride? Let’s just say the screeching was loud enough to make me question my sanity.
And seriously, why is there always a surprise in the toilet every time I go to use the bathroom? I found myself completely ignoring questions about snacks or screen time, and I could almost feel my patience wearing thin.
By dinner, I was faced with the unfortunate reality that my kids didn’t like spinach, a vegetable that apparently loves them. The bedtime routine involved the constant reminder of “Brush your teeth. Did you brush your teeth? Please go brush your teeth.”
I genuinely believe that someday I will long for the chaotic sound of little feet padding around the house at ungodly hours. But today, the day after returning from Amsterdam, is definitely not that day.
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Summary:
Returning home after a child-free vacation can be a jarring experience. From the early wake-up calls to the chaos of everyday parenting, it’s a mixture of nostalgia and reality. While one day you might miss the little things, today is a reminder of the challenges that come with raising children.
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