Yesterday was a day I won’t soon forget.
Let me start by saying that adjusting to summer break is no easy feat for me. It’s a strange mix of joy and chaos—can something be both delightful and overwhelming at the same time? Because that seems to sum up parenthood perfectly. Transitioning from having my three kids in school for over six hours a day (while I manage my work) to having them home all the time has been quite the challenge. As I’ve shared in previous posts, summer can feel relentless.
My youngest, Lily, is fascinated by two things: electrical outlets and baby dolls. Just the other day, I caught her showing her doll the outlet in her room. #multitasking
This summer is slightly easier than past ones, mainly because my kids are getting older and more independent. Lily will turn 3 next week, and I finally feel like we’re emerging from a particularly tough phase in the journey of motherhood.
Yesterday afternoon, we returned home from a fun day at the park. My two older boys jumped out of the van and immediately wanted to go play with some neighborhood kids. I agreed and took Lily inside. She was covered in peanut butter and dirt, so I quickly stripped her down to just a diaper.
As I rushed to the bathroom, Lily trailed behind me, always my little shadow. Just then, my phone rang—it was my mom, feeling unwell. As I strained to hear her over Lily’s loud protests, my stress levels began to rise.
I retreated to my bedroom, shutting the door behind me. When I finally emerged a few minutes later, the house was eerily quiet. A wave of panic hit me as I realized something was very wrong.
The back door was wide open.
I darted outside, calling her name at the top of my lungs. She was nowhere to be found. I heard a neighbor, Mrs. Collins, shout from across the street, “I just saw a little girl run through the backyards!”
Without thinking, I sprinted in the direction she pointed. Barefoot and frantic, I ran until I found her—a mere street away, wearing only her diaper and clutching a toy pet carrier with a stuffed dog inside. The look of confusion on her face when she saw the fear in mine is something I will never forget.
“Never again,” I told her firmly.
“Not with my dog?” she replied, her eyes wide.
“Never, ever. You must always stay with a grown-up,” I insisted, wiping away my tears.
I share this story to highlight how quickly children can go missing. I’ve often wondered where the parents were when I heard similar tales of toddlers wandering off. That parent was me. I was right there, and yet it happened.
I know I’m a great mom—capable, attentive, and not negligent. But kids can be quick, quiet, and unpredictable. Today, I’m holding my little ones a little closer, grateful for their safety, and remembering that not every mother is as fortunate.
If you’re interested in learning more about parenting and the challenges it brings, check out this insightful article on parenting challenges. And for those considering at-home insemination, Make A Mom offers a trusted selection of at-home insemination kits. For comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Kindbody’s blog.
In summary, parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs. It can be both rewarding and terrifying, and it reminds us just how precious our little ones are.
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