Honesty

 Parenting is hard.

Being a mother is hard.

Being a working mother is hard.

Being a stay at home mother is hard.

 

Sometimes, it's just hard.

 

We had a couple of those days this week.

The mornings started out well, going to the park, doing some chores and errands and spending time together.

Then something changed...no clue what or why.

 

Tantrums started.

Disobeying happened.

Time outs were enforced.

 

A full-blown tantrum occurred because I would not pick up this doll for her.

Yes...the doll that is less than six inches from her.

I was laughing so hard that tears were rolling down my face because it was so ridiculous.

{combined with her fashionable outfit}

I had to take a picture.

 

One of those days happened when Chris was working. I texted him and told him that when he got home I needed to go out by myself for a bit.

When he got home, the tantrums had stopped and I felt much better.

{and guilty that I felt the need to be by myself} 

I had reinforcement.

 

I decided that even though we were all better, I still needed to go out by myself.

I decided to get some ice cream, read a book and spend an hour alone.

It was wonderful.

I came home refreshed

{and a bit embarrassed that I needed time alone}

but after talking to my wonderfully supportive husband, I realized that I needed the time.

Bailey needed the time away from me.

The next morning, we all woke up in a better mood and we had a great day.

 

Even with days like this...I wouldn't change being a mother or being a family for anything.

As adults, we can {usually} explain why we are having a bad day or are tired or explain the reasons behind our moods. But Bailey doesn't have those words and isn't always able to explain why she is sad/mad/grumpy.

 

This parenting thing is just like learning a new language.

A long, drawn out tiring, frustrating, joyful, hopeful, awe-inspiring language that keeps changing.

All we can do is enjoy the ride as much as possible, and remember that it's ok to take a break to get a little bit of ourselves back.