Back To Reality

With March Break officially over, it was back to our normal routine of school, work, studying and of course, parenting. If my post on Sunday left you a little worried of my mental state, do not fret, as the title stated, it really was just one of those days.

Thanks to Facebook, I came across this article written by Una Lamarche for the Huffington Post. I have no idea who she is or what reputation the Huffington Post has, but it rang true to me and once again reminded me that parenting is really hard. Not only because you're literally trying to raise an adult who has all the qualities that you wish you had, but because there are always people who will judge you and your parental decisions.
It can serve as a reminder to do what's right for you and your family. Case closed.

One of those days...

Picture this...

A baby that won't nap, has a runny nose and is starting to get angry when you take something away from her.

A 5 year old who has lost his iPad and television privileges, leaving only a whole basement full of toys that he doesn't want to play with and who won't. stop. talking.

A mom, who despite being allowing to sleep in this morning, cannot kick the heaviness of sleep from her eyes, can't find her daughter's birth certificate of SIN card (a sleep deprived mom should not be allowed to be responsible for important documents such as those. I'm sure I put them somewhere logical at the time that made sense to sleep deprived me), who's ears are wearing to the constant natter of her 5 year old and is kinda upset with her husband who was the one who took away her 5 year old's media privileges.

A dad, who is regretting his appropriate consequences, having to listen to a wife tell him other appropriate consequences he could have doled out instead of an all media attack, who's tired because he was nice enough to let his wife sleep-in and who's also straining to respond to the constant 5 year old dialogue.

It's been the kind of day where you just want to opt-out of being a parent. Not just because there was no media allowed, but because both of us....both adults in this house....just weren't up to the challenge today. Usually we can tag team this life of ours but today we both wanted to tap out.

Please tell me you've had these kinds of days too.

Because That's What We Do

I have the flu. The real deal. Influenza. It sucks. It's horrible. I feel like that guy on the NyQuil commercial that asks his wife to call his mom for him. This shows my former anti-flu shot self just how bad it can be. I can officially tell you that from here on out, I'll be getting the flu shot. (I know, I know, the flu shot won't protect me 100%, etc, etc. Please don't leave me nasty comments).

Parenting is a hard job to begin with, but throw in the flu (or a cold or something that throws you off your game) and it becomes downright impossible. My dear husband has been fantastic. He took a day off work to help me out and has been picking up all the slack. He's even been doing the middle of the night feeds so I can get a full sleep! (thank goodness little miss will now take a bottle. I'm pumping in overdrive!)

Last night, Elle was having a hard time falling asleep. I was nursing her for the third time in an hour and she finally looked like she was going to fall asleep. My head was pounding. The 17 pound baby in my arms felt like a tonne with my aching muscles, I had to cough but didn't want to wake her up and my nose was running. Pulling a kleenex out of the box sounded like a truck hit the house (which has happened...but that's another story). She had her eyes closed and then suddenly pulled off wide awake. Mt heart sank. I was needing my bed like I need air. Elle looked up at me with her beautiful blue eyes, gave me the biggest two tooth smile I've ever seen and then promptly closed her eyes and fell asleep in my arms. It's like she knew that I had no more to give.

Isn't that the way it works? Just when you think you've had enough, your child makes you smile and melts your heart.

Here's a picture of another family member that melts our hearts every. single. day.

Parenting

I know some amazing parents. I even have some - which I wouldn't have admitted when I was 14...
Parenting, as you parents know, is hard. Constantly being 'on'. The thought that it is up to you to shape and mould this little adult into a member of our society - with all the attributes that you hope you've instilled in them. Man, that's one big and daunting task.
I ran across this article and thought you might enjoy reading it. It speaks to those moments of parenthood when you just want to rip your hair out instead of cherishing each moment because it all goes by so fast.

Birthday

I'm quite confident that every mother remembers the birth story of their children. We know minute details that our partners would not have even noticed...let alone remember years down the road. We love to share these stories and hear others'.
Last night as I went to bed, realizing that in just a few hours time, my child would officially be 4 years old, I recalled his birth story with fondness and amazement. I find it staggering that for a child to be born, there are millions of things that have to go just right. From the moment of conception to the time your pushing out that child (or in my case as many others, when they come out via section) so many stars had to line up just right.
Last night, at 2:37am, Gage came down to our bedroom and climbed into our bed. When I asked him what was wrong he said "I just wanted to be with you". Eric and I looked at the clock and were amazed that the time was 4 minutes after the time he was born, four short years ago.
So today, I am reminded yet again, how blessed we are to have such a four year old. He's taught me a lot about myself and my husband these past four years. I'm grateful that he chose us as parents.
And seriously...where did the time go??

The toy in the foreground is Gage's gift. It's one of those marble mazes things. Hours of entertainment!!