Since welcoming Emily into our family just a few months ago, I have heard from several mom friends that they don’t know how I do it and appear so put together. I always laugh and say I just have to. But the reality is I put on a really good front. I'm not a super mom.  I'm just trying to raise respectful little people.  My main goal in life.

My kids are healthy, well fed, and happy (I hope!). First and foremost that is always the priority. Getting from day to day with everyone alive and thriving is sometimes a challenge. Usually an hour or two before bedtime my patience is mostly shot and the “why” question from my 4 year old is grating on every last nerve. Some days we don’t even make it to lunch and the overwhelming feeling of being done is already creeping in for the day. I do have 3 kids after all.

My house will be clean if I know you are coming by. Drop in on me and you’ll probably be greeted with breakfast bowls in the kitchen (maybe even on the table still), dirt and food crumbs all over the bathroom sink and door handle, and toys as far as the eye can see. Even if the main floor appears clean, you can bet your butt our bathroom and bedroom is a disaster and don’t even get me started on the laundry room. The mess is quietly hidden behind closed doors, putting on yet another front.

Because I suffer from general anxiety. I can’t go to bed at night with dirty dishes in the sink, the living room a mess and laundry still in the dryer. Doesn’t matter how late my kids keep me up, if it’s not done, I can’t sleep. The toys all have a place and they all go back to it every night, thanks to the bedtime routine that includes a toy round up by their owners.  More or less I am borderline OCD with our routine and if I didn't suffer from the aforementioned anxiety, the day to day may be a wee bit different.

So while I appear put together - you may see me in my 15 minutes of glory for the day.  I am human. I yell, I get flustered and I lose my cool.  I can't pretend my children listen to me all the time, if ever (I'm looking at YOU Brooklyn).  But I am doing my best everyday... and right now that is enough.

Oh and those kind words of reassurance?  They get me through another day or two of this parenting gig.  So you all are the real MVP in my book.


always,
amanda